Characterization In Thank You M Am
Matthew Meyers
Mrs. Jones Solomon
12th Grade AP Literature; 7th period
8/27/14
Characterization in “Thank You M'am” It was fate that Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones and Roger met. Through their short meeting, a metamorphosis occurs between the two; a relationship buds. Though the two probably won't ever see each other again, Roger needed Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones to transform his life and teach him true human compassion. Langston Hughes develops the relationship between these two characters, the relationship Roger has with himself, and the audiences's relationship with Mrs. Jones by using characterization, both indirect and direct, in his short story “Thank You M'am.” Opening up the story we are introduced to Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones by the line “She was a large woman with a large purse that had everything in it, but a hammer and nails”, setting a silhouette of a woman larger than life and very well able to take care of herself; and all of this is true for Mrs. Jones. Within the first few lines of dialogue between Mrs. Jones and her assailant (Roger), we are exposed to the raw and powerful side of her, demanding Roger to “pick up [her] pocket book, boy, and give it here.” The author uses this to display that she demands respect from him and will accept nothing less, which is a common trait exhibited by Luella throughout the story. This trait gives Luella her first dimension, her strong and independent dimension, which is shown in her actions too, as in when she drags him home with her in a tight locked grip. In the entirety of the novel, her speech and sassy retorts shows the audience her brassy and strong side, which she uses to her advantage to create an authority figure for Roger. Phrases like, “When I get through with you, sir, you are going to remember Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones,” and “Not with that face, I would not take you anywhere,” define Mrs. Jones's bold side, capturing the audience in a comedic way. Apart from her
Mrs. Jones Solomon
12th Grade AP Literature; 7th period
8/27/14
Characterization in “Thank You M'am” It was fate that Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones and Roger met. Through their short meeting, a metamorphosis occurs between the two; a relationship buds. Though the two probably won't ever see each other again, Roger needed Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones to transform his life and teach him true human compassion. Langston Hughes develops the relationship between these two characters, the relationship Roger has with himself, and the audiences's relationship with Mrs. Jones by using characterization, both indirect and direct, in his short story “Thank You M'am.” Opening up the story we are introduced to Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones by the line “She was a large woman with a large purse that had everything in it, but a hammer and nails”, setting a silhouette of a woman larger than life and very well able to take care of herself; and all of this is true for Mrs. Jones. Within the first few lines of dialogue between Mrs. Jones and her assailant (Roger), we are exposed to the raw and powerful side of her, demanding Roger to “pick up [her] pocket book, boy, and give it here.” The author uses this to display that she demands respect from him and will accept nothing less, which is a common trait exhibited by Luella throughout the story. This trait gives Luella her first dimension, her strong and independent dimension, which is shown in her actions too, as in when she drags him home with her in a tight locked grip. In the entirety of the novel, her speech and sassy retorts shows the audience her brassy and strong side, which she uses to her advantage to create an authority figure for Roger. Phrases like, “When I get through with you, sir, you are going to remember Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones,” and “Not with that face, I would not take you anywhere,” define Mrs. Jones's bold side, capturing the audience in a comedic way. Apart from her