Analyzing Thank You Ma'am

What is the main theme of the story "Thank You Ma'am" by Langston Hughes?

• The importance of wealth

• The power of kindness and trust

• The inevitability of fate

• The struggle for survival

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.5.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

Which of the following sentences from "Thank You Ma'am" best supports the theme of kindness?

• "She was a large woman with a large purse that had everything in it but hammer and nails."

• "I wanted a pair of blue suede shoes," said the boy.

• "The woman said, 'You ought to be my son. I would teach you right from wrong.'"

• "He did not trust the woman not to trust him."

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.5.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

How does the setting of "Thank You Ma'am" influence the characters' actions?

• The setting is irrelevant to the characters' actions.

• The urban setting creates a sense of anonymity that allows the boy to attempt theft.

• The setting in a small town makes the characters more cautious.

• The setting in a rural area encourages the characters to be more trusting.

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

What internal conflict does Roger face in "Thank You Ma'am"?

• Whether to steal the purse or not

• Whether to run away or stay with Mrs. Jones

• Whether to apologize or remain silent

• Whether to trust Mrs. Jones or not

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

Which sentence from "Thank You Ma'am" provides evidence of Roger's internal conflict?

• "He looked as if he were fourteen or fifteen, frail and willow-wild, in tennis shoes and blue jeans."

• "The boy wanted to say something else other than 'Thank you, ma'am' to Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones."

• "He did not trust the woman not to trust him."

• "She was a large woman with a large purse that had everything in it but hammer and nails."

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

What external conflict is present in "Thank You Ma'am"?

• Roger's struggle with his conscience

• Mrs. Jones' struggle to make ends meet

• Roger's attempt to steal Mrs. Jones' purse

• Mrs. Jones' decision to help Roger

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

Which of the following sentences from "Thank You Ma'am" supports the idea that Mrs. Jones is a caring person?

• "She was a large woman with a large purse that had everything in it but hammer and nails."

• "The woman said, 'You ought to be my son. I would teach you right from wrong.'"

• "He did not trust the woman not to trust him."

• "She led him down the hall to the front door and opened it."

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

What character trait does Roger exhibit by the end of "Thank You Ma'am"?

• Dishonesty

• Gratitude

• Indifference

• Anger

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

Which sentence from "Thank You Ma'am" best illustrates Roger's change in character?

• "He looked as if he were fourteen or fifteen, frail and willow-wild, in tennis shoes and blue jeans."

• "The boy wanted to say something else other than 'Thank you, ma'am' to Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones."

• "He did not trust the woman not to trust him."

• "She was a large woman with a large purse that had everything in it but hammer and nails."

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

How does the interaction between Roger and Mrs. Jones develop the theme of the story?

• It shows that people are inherently selfish.

• It demonstrates that trust can be built through understanding and compassion.

• It highlights the importance of wealth in society.

• It suggests that people cannot change their ways.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RL.5.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2