Final answer:
The theme of "Thank You, M'am" by Langston Hughes can be interpreted as the redemptive power of kindness and trust, as demonstrated by the interaction between the characters, Mrs. Jones and Roger. Through their experiences, Hughes subtly conveys the message that compassion can lead to personal growth and understanding.
Step-by-step explanation:
Theme of "Thank You, M'am"
The theme of a story encompasses its central message or insight into life that the author wishes to convey. In the case of the short story "Thank You, M'am" by Langston Hughes, readers can derive the theme through the interactions between its characters, Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones and the young boy, Roger. One possible theme of this story could be the redemptive power of kindness and trust. Despite being a victim of Roger's attempted theft, Mrs. Jones chooses to take him in, feed him, and give him money for shoes instead of involving the police. Through this act of generosity, she teaches Roger a valuable lesson about compassion and integrity.
Analysis of various texts reveals that authors often craft their characters and conflicts to develop and highlight the story's theme. For example, Mark Twain uses a character's internal conflict to emphasize the importance of relying on one's knowledge and training. Similarly, Hughes uses the conflict between Mrs. Jones and Roger to bring out the theme of his story. This implicit message requires readers to infer the theme from the characters' actions and the outcome of the story.
Themes in literature can also address broader social issues, such as women's rights or racial inequality, as seen in texts by significant women composers or the historical experiences of civil rights leaders. These themes often provoke thought and encourage readers to explore complex societal topics through the characters' lives and experiences.