Question

In "Thank You, M'am," how does Mrs. Jones's admission that she did bad things when young reveal a theme of the story?

a.She brags about her youthful adventures so that Roger will be humble in her presence.
b.She is older and lonely and needs to confide in someone younger.
c.She wants to be the adult whom Roger trusts to understand and help him.
d.She wants to prove to Roger that all teenagers are delinquents.

Answer 1

Mrs. Jones admits to past mistakes to connect with Roger and convey that understanding and redemption are possible, underlying the theme that everyone can change for the better.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the story "Thank You, M'am," Mrs. Jones's admission that she did bad things when she was younger helps to reveal a theme of the story. When Mrs. Jones shares this part of her past, she is not bragging, feeling lonely, or categorizing all teenagers as delinquents. Instead, her admission is intended to show that she understands mistakes are a part of growing up and that people can change, which aligns with option c. She conveys to Roger that she has been in a similar situation, demonstrating empathy and the potential for personal growth. By doing so, she hopes to earn Roger's trust and to provide him with guidance and support, illustrating one of the central themes of the story: understanding and redemption can aid in the path to betterment.