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.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

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.5.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

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.4.3

CCSS.RL.5.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

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.4.3

CCSS.RL.5.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

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.5.2

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2