“Thank You, Ma’am” by Langston Hughes
Thank You, Ma’am” by Langston Hughes
Summary of the Story
The story revolves around a teenage boy, Roger, who tries to snatch the purse of a large, strong woman named Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones. However, Roger fails because he is weak and loses his balance. Instead of letting him run away, the woman catches him firmly.
Rather than taking him to the police, she drags him to her house. Roger is frightened and expects punishment. But to his surprise, Mrs. Jones treats him kindly. She asks him to wash his face and prepares food for him.
Roger confesses that he wanted the money to buy a pair of blue suede shoes. Mrs. Jones does not scold him harshly. Instead, she understands his situation and tells him that she too has done wrong things in her life.
After feeding him, she gives him ten dollars to buy the shoes—but advises him to behave properly in the future.
Roger is deeply moved by her kindness. When he leaves, he wants to say more than just “Thank you, Ma’am,” but he cannot find the words.
Main Characters
Roger – A poor, misguided boy who tries to steal but learns a lesson.
Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones – A strong, compassionate woman who reforms Roger through kindness.
Themes
Kindness can reform people
Mrs. Jones changes Roger not by punishment, but by trust and care.
Trust and responsibility
She trusts Roger, even leaving him alone in her room, giving him a chance to prove himself.
Understanding over judgment
Instead of condemning Roger, she tries to understand his situation.
Second chances
The story shows that everyone deserves another opportunity.
Important Message
The story teaches that love and compassion are more powerful than punishment. A small act of kindness can transform a person’s life.
Important Questions & Answers
Q1. Why did Roger try to steal Mrs. Jones’ purse?
Roger wanted money to buy blue suede shoes, but he did not have enough money.
Q2. Why didn’t Mrs. Jones take Roger to the police?
She wanted to teach him a lesson through kindness rather than punishment.
Q3. What lesson did Roger learn?
Roger learned honesty, gratitude, and the importance of trust.
Q4. Why didn’t Roger run away when he had the chance?
He was touched by Mrs. Jones’ trust and kindness, which made him change his behavior.
Q5. What is the significance of the title “Thank You, Ma’am”?
It represents Roger’s gratitude and respect for Mrs. Jones, though he cannot fully express his feelings.
Conclusion
“Thank You, Ma’am” shows that a person can be changed not by force, but by understanding and generosity. Mrs. Jones acts like a moral guide, helping Roger become a better person.
Character Sketches
Roger (Character Sketch)
Roger is a poor, weak, and misguided teenage boy. At the beginning of the story, he is shown as a thief who attempts to snatch Mrs. Jones’ purse. His action reflects his poverty and lack of guidance rather than true criminal nature.
However, Roger is not entirely bad. When Mrs. Jones catches him, he does not lie about his intention. He is ashamed of his behavior and responds politely when treated kindly. His transformation begins when Mrs. Jones trusts him and treats him with respect.
Roger shows honesty, gratitude, and a willingness to change. He does not run away even when given a chance, which proves his moral awakening. By the end of the story, he becomes a reformed boy who learns an important life lesson.
Conclusion: Roger represents a misguided youth who is transformed by kindness and trust.
Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones (Character Sketch)
Mrs. Jones is a strong, bold, and compassionate woman. Physically, she is large and powerful, which enables her to catch Roger easily. However, her real strength lies in her kind heart and wisdom.
Instead of punishing Roger or handing him over to the police, she chooses to reform him through kindness. She understands human weakness and even admits that she has done wrong things in her past.
She treats Roger with dignity, feeds him, and gives him money to buy the shoes he wanted. At the same time, she teaches him moral values without being harsh.
Her behavior reflects motherly affection, generosity, and moral courage. She believes in giving second chances and shows that trust can change a person.
Conclusion: Mrs. Jones is a symbol of kindness, understanding, and moral strength.
Short Answer Questions (2–4 Marks)
1. Why did Roger try to steal the purse?
Roger wanted to buy a pair of blue suede shoes but did not have money.
2. Why did Mrs. Jones not hand Roger over to the police?
She wanted to reform him through kindness rather than punishment.
3. What did Mrs. Jones ask Roger to do when he reached her home?
She asked him to wash his face and behave properly.
4. What was Roger’s reaction to Mrs. Jones’ kindness?
He was surprised, ashamed, and deeply grateful.
5. Why didn’t Roger run away when he had the chance?
He was moved by Mrs. Jones’ trust and did not want to betray her.
6. What lesson does the story teach?
Kindness, trust, and understanding can reform a person.
7. What did Mrs. Jones give Roger?
She gave him ten dollars to buy blue suede shoes.
8. How does the story end?
Roger thanks Mrs. Jones but is unable to express his full gratitude.
Long Answer Questions (6–10 Marks)
1. How does Mrs. Jones reform Roger?
Mrs. Jones reforms Roger not through punishment but through kindness and understanding. When she catches him stealing, she does not call the police. Instead, she takes him home, feeds him, and treats him with respect.
She trusts him by leaving him alone in the room, giving him an opportunity to escape. However, Roger chooses to stay, showing his change of heart. Mrs. Jones also shares her own past mistakes, which makes her more relatable.
Finally, she gives him money to buy the shoes he wanted, along with advice to behave properly. Her kindness touches Roger deeply and transforms him into a better person.
Thus, Mrs. Jones proves that compassion is more effective than punishment.
2. Discuss the theme of kindness in the story.
The story highlights the power of kindness in transforming a person. Mrs. Jones shows unexpected kindness to Roger, who tried to steal from her. Instead of punishing him, she understands his need and treats him with care.
Her trust and generosity make Roger feel respected and ashamed of his behavior. This emotional impact leads to his transformation.
The story suggests that kindness can correct mistakes and bring out the goodness in people. It teaches that empathy is more powerful than strict discipline.
3. Give the significance of the title “Thank You, Ma’am.”
The title reflects Roger’s gratitude towards Mrs. Jones. Although he says only “Thank you, ma’am,” his feelings are much deeper.
Mrs. Jones changes his life through her kindness. Roger wants to express his thanks properly, but he cannot find the right words. This shows the depth of his emotions.
Thus, the title symbolizes gratitude, respect, and moral transformation.
4. What message does the story convey?
The story conveys that love, kindness, and trust can bring positive change in people. Instead of punishment, understanding can reform even those who make mistakes.
It also teaches that everyone deserves a second chance and that small acts of kindness can have a lasting impact.
Exam Tip
For high marks:
Use simple language
Include keywords: kindness, trust, transformation, compassion
Write a clear introduction and conclusion
Important Vocabulary (Word Meanings)
“Vocabulary in ‘Thank You, Ma’am’ reflects everyday American life and helps convey the theme of kindness and moral transformation.”
1. Frail
Meaning: Weak, delicate, not strong
In the story: Roger is described as frail, meaning he is physically weak.
2. Presentable
Meaning: Neat, clean, and tidy in appearance
In the story: Mrs. Jones asks Roger to wash his face so that he looks presentable.
3. Suede
Meaning: A type of soft leather used to make shoes
In the story: Roger wants money to buy blue suede shoes.
4. Pocketbook
Meaning: A handbag or purse
In the story: Mrs. Jones carries a large pocketbook.
5. Latchkey
Meaning: A key used to open a door latch
In the story: Mrs. Jones opens her door with a latchkey.
6. Barren
Meaning: Empty, plain, without decoration
In the story: The room is described as barren.
7. Dishpan
Meaning: A large bowl used for washing dishes
In the story: Mrs. Jones tells Roger to wash his face at the sink using a dishpan.
8. Rattle
Meaning: To make a series of short, quick sounds
In the story: The door rattles when they enter.
9. Nervous
Meaning: Anxious, afraid, uneasy
In the story: Roger feels nervous when Mrs. Jones takes him home.
10. Trust
Meaning: Belief in someone’s honesty
In the story: Mrs. Jones trusts Roger and leaves him alone.
MCQs (Multiple Choice Questions)
Section A: Vocabulary-Based MCQs
1. What does “frail” mean?
A. Strong
B. Weak
C. Happy
D. Angry
Answer: B. Weak
2. What is the meaning of “presentable”?
A. Dirty
B. Untidy
C. Neat and clean
D. Careless
Answer: C. Neat and clean
3. “Suede” refers to:
A. A type of cloth
B. A type of leather
C. A colour
D. A design
Answer: B. A type of leather
4. What is a “pocketbook”?
A. A book
B. A wallet
C. A purse/handbag
D. A box
Answer: C. A purse/handbag
5. A “latchkey” is:
A. A decorative key
B. A door key
C. A car key
D. A broken key
Answer: B. A door key
Section B: Story-Based MCQs
6. Why did Roger try to steal the purse?
A. He was hungry
B. He wanted shoes
C. He needed books
D. He was forced
Answer: B. He wanted shoes
7. What did Mrs. Jones do after catching Roger?
A. Called the police
B. Beat him
C. Took him home
D. Let him go
Answer: C. Took him home
8. What did Mrs. Jones ask Roger to do first?
A. Run away
B. Cook food
C. Wash his face
D. Sleep
Answer: C. Wash his face
9. Why didn’t Roger run away?
A. He was afraid
B. He was tired
C. He was trusted and felt ashamed
D. The door was locked
Answer: C. He was trusted and felt ashamed
10. How much money did Mrs. Jones give Roger?
A. Five dollars
B. Ten dollars
C. Twenty dollars
D. One dollar
Answer: B. Ten dollars
11. What was Roger unable to say properly at the end?
A. Goodbye
B. Sorry
C. Thank you
D. Please
Answer: C. Thank you
12. What is the main theme of the story?
A. Revenge
B. Kindness and trust
C. Fear
D. Anger
Answer: B. Kindness and trust
📝 Assertion–Reason MCQs (CBSE Pattern)
👉 Directions:
Choose the correct option:
A. Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
B. Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
C. A is true, but R is false.
D. A is false, but R is true.
1.
Assertion (A): Mrs. Jones did not hand Roger over to the police.
Reason (R): She wanted to reform him through kindness.
👉 Answer: A
2.
Assertion (A): Roger did not run away when he got the chance.
Reason (R): He was physically too weak to escape.
👉 Answer: C
(He could have run away, but he chose not to because of trust.)
3.
Assertion (A): Mrs. Jones trusted Roger.
Reason (R): She left him alone in her room.
👉 Answer: A
4.
Assertion (A): Roger was ashamed of his actions.
Reason (R): Mrs. Jones treated him with kindness.
👉 Answer: A
5.
Assertion (A): Mrs. Jones scolded Roger harshly.
Reason (R): She wanted to punish him.
👉 Answer: D
(She did not scold him harshly; she was kind.)
6.
Assertion (A): Roger wanted to buy blue suede shoes.
Reason (R): He had enough money for them.
👉 Answer: C
(He did not have money.)
7.
Assertion (A): Mrs. Jones shared her past mistakes.
Reason (R): She wanted Roger to feel understood.
👉 Answer: A
8.
Assertion (A): The story highlights the power of kindness.
Reason (R): Kindness can bring positive change in people.
👉 Answer: A
9.
Assertion (A): Roger was polite towards Mrs. Jones.
Reason (R): He respected her kindness.
👉 Answer: A
10.
Assertion (A): The title reflects gratitude.
Reason (R): Roger fully expressed his feelings.
👉 Answer: C
(He could not fully express his feelings.)
📘 Extract-Based Questions (CBSE Pattern)
📖 Extract 1
"She was a large woman with a large purse that had everything in it but hammer and nails."
Questions:
What does “large purse” indicate?
A. It was empty
B. It was heavy and full of things
C. It was small
D. It was broken
👉 Answer: B
What literary device is used in “everything in it but hammer and nails”?
A. Simile
B. Metaphor
C. Hyperbole
D. Personification
👉 Answer: C (Exaggeration)
What kind of woman is Mrs. Jones?
👉 Answer: She is strong, practical, and well-prepared.
What is meant by “purse” here?
👉 Answer: A handbag or pocketbook.
📖 Extract 2
"When I get through with you, sir, you are going to remember Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones."
Questions:
Who speaks these words?
👉 Answer: Mrs. Jones
To whom are these words spoken?
👉 Answer: Roger
What does the speaker mean?
A. She will punish him
B. She will teach him a lesson
C. She will send him away
D. She will ignore him
👉 Answer: B
What tone is used here?
👉 Answer: Firm and authoritative
📖 Extract 3
"I wanted a pair of blue suede shoes."
Questions:
Who said this?
👉 Answer: Roger
Why did he say this?
👉 Answer: To explain why he tried to steal the purse.
What does this reveal about Roger?
A. He is greedy
B. He is poor and tempted
C. He is dishonest
D. He is cruel
👉 Answer: B
What type of leather is “suede”?
👉 Answer: Soft leather
📖 Extract 4
"The door was open. He could make a dash for it down the hall."
Questions:
Who is “he” here?
👉 Answer: Roger
Why did he not run away?
👉 Answer: Because he was trusted and felt ashamed.
What does this show about his character?
A. Fear
B. Honesty
C. Change and responsibility
D. Anger
👉 Answer: C
What theme is highlighted here?
👉 Answer: Trust and moral transformation
📖 Extract 5
"Shoes got by devilish ways will burn your feet."
Questions:
Who says this?
👉 Answer: Mrs. Jones
What does “devilish ways” mean?
👉 Answer: Wrong or dishonest methods
What is the message of this line?
👉 Answer: Wrong actions lead to bad consequences.
Which theme is reflected here?
A. Fear
B. Kindness
C. Morality
D. Anger
👉 Answer: C
📝 CBSE Question Paper (80 Marks)
Class X – English (Prose: Thank You, Ma’am)
Time: 3 Hours | Maximum Marks: 80
Section A: Reading Skills (20 Marks)
Q1. Read the extract and answer the questions (10 Marks)
"The door was open. He could make a dash for it down the hall. He could run, run, run!"
Who is “he” in the extract? (1)
What opportunity did he have? (1)
Why did he not run away? (2)
What does this reveal about his character? (2)
Identify the literary device used in “run, run, run”. (2)
What theme is highlighted in this extract? (2)
Q2. Read the extract and answer the questions (10 Marks)
"Shoes got by devilish ways will burn your feet."
Who said this line? (1)
To whom was it said? (1)
What does “devilish ways” mean? (2)
What message does this line convey? (2)
Identify the tone of the speaker. (2)
Which theme is highlighted? (2)
Section B: Writing Skills (20 Marks)
Q3. Character Sketch (10 Marks)
Write a character sketch of Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones.
(100–120 words)
Q4. Paragraph Writing (10 Marks)
Write a paragraph on the topic:
“Kindness is more powerful than punishment.”
(100–120 words)
Section C: Grammar & Vocabulary (20 Marks)
Q5. Vocabulary (10 Marks)
Choose the correct option:
“Frail” means:
A. Strong
B. Weak
C. Happy
D. Angry
“Presentable” means:
A. Dirty
B. Clean and neat
C. Poor
D. Old
“Suede” refers to:
A. Cloth
B. Leather
C. Plastic
D. Paper
“Pocketbook” means:
A. Book
B. Wallet
C. Purse
D. Box
“Latchkey” means:
A. Car key
B. Door key
C. Broken key
D. Old key
Q6. Assertion–Reason (10 Marks)
Choose the correct option:
A. Both A and R are true, and R explains A
B. Both A and R are true, but R does not explain A
C. A is true, but R is false
D. A is false, but R is true
A: Mrs. Jones trusted Roger.
R: She left him alone in her room.
A: Roger ran away.
R: He was afraid of punishment.
A: Mrs. Jones gave money to Roger.
R: She wanted to help him.
A: The story teaches kindness.
R: Kindness can change people.
A: Roger wanted blue suede shoes.
R: He had enough money.
Section D: Literature (20 Marks)
Q7. Short Answer Questions (Any 4) (4×3 = 12 Marks)
Why did Roger try to steal the purse?
Why did Mrs. Jones not call the police?
What did Mrs. Jones ask Roger to do at home?
Why did Roger not run away?
What lesson does Roger learn?
Q8. Long Answer Questions (Any 1) (8 Marks)
How does Mrs. Jones reform Roger through kindness?
OR
Discuss the themes of kindness and trust in the story.
📘 Answer Key (For Teachers)
Section A
Roger, opportunity to escape, didn’t run due to trust, repetition, theme: trust
Mrs. Jones, Roger, wrong ways, moral lesson, tone: advisory, theme: morality
Section C
Frail – B
Presentable – B
Suede – B
Pocketbook – C
Latchkey – B
Assertion–Reason:
A
D
A
A
C
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