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More Than a Purse: Exploring Morals and Motives in Thank You, Ma’am
GTKY guess what each number or word means in my life! 3Ammarblue17 2 Now it’s your TURN !
I thought a thought. But the thought I thought Wasn’t the thought I thought I thought. If the thought I thought I thought, Had been the thought I thought, I wouldn’t have thought I thought.
“Imagine a teenager tries to steal someone’s purse or wallet. What do you think should happen next? What would YOU do if someone tried to steal from you? You have 2–3 minutes to write a few lines in response.
Story Preview • Thinking only of the title of the story, what do you think this story is likely to be about? • Look at the picture. • Does the picture give any additional information about what might happen in the story?
Common Core 9.RL.3 Analyze how complex characters (e.g., those with multiple or conflicting motivations) develop over the course of a text, interact with other characters, and advance the plot or develop the theme. 9.RL.5 Analyze how an author’s choices concerning how to structure a text, order events within it (e.g., parallel plots), and manipulate time (e.g., pacing, flashbacks) create such effects as mystery, tension, or surprise. Standards Addressed
During Reading As you read, think about what you learn about each character as the story progresses.
Late one night, a teenage boy named Roger tries to steal the purse of a large woman, Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones. Instead of running away, he falls, and she grabs him firmly. Rather than calling the police, Mrs. Jones takes him to her home. There, she surprises Roger by treating him with kindness. She lets him wash up, feeds him a good meal, and talks to him as if he mattered..”
Roger is confused but respectful — he doesn’t run away or touch her purse again. During dinner, Mrs. Jones shares that she, too, has made mistakes in her life. She understands what it’s like to want things you can’t afford — like the blue suede shoes Roger had wanted. At the end, instead of punishing him, she gives him ten dollars to buy the shoes.
Roger is stunned by her trust and generosity. As he leaves, he wants to say more, but all he manages is a quiet, “Thank you, ma’am
What message or lesson is the author trying to send through this story? • Can you sum it up in one sentence?
What is the conflict, and how is it resolved? The conflict is Roger’s attempt to steal and his internal struggle between guilt and survival. It is resolved when Mrs. Jones responds with kindness, helping him change
Think-Pair-Share: Reactions & First Impressions 1.What surprised you about Mrs. Jones’s reaction? Instead of yelling, calling the police, or punishing Roger, she took him home, gave him food, and showed him kindness. That was surprising because most people wouldn’t respond like that after being robbed. 2. How do you think Roger felt when he left the apartment? Why? He probably felt confused, ashamed, and grateful. He didn’t expect kindness, and her actions made him think about his choices. That’s why he couldn’t even say “thank you” 3. What lesson do you think the story is trying to teach? The story teaches that kindness and trust can change people more than punishment. It also shows that everyone makes mistakes, but people can grow if someone gives them a chance.
Question: How do both characters change by the end? • Roger learns trust and respect; he doesn’t try to escape or steal again. • Mrs. Jones shows compassion, teaching a life lesson instead of punishing him.
Role-Play Activity: "Roger & Mrs. Jones – After the Story“ 2 mins • Get into pairs.One of you will play Roger, and the other will play Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones. • Imagine it is the next day, or a few weeks later. Roger comes back to visit Mrs. Jones — maybe to thank her, apologize again, or tell her something new. • Create a short conversation (1–2 minutes) where: • Roger expresses how he feels after their first meeting • Mrs. Jones gives him advice or reacts to seeing him again • You show how their relationship might grow or change
Do you have any questions? Thank you!
Reading Questions • What do you think Roger will do next? • Do you think Mrs. Jones successfully taught Roger that stealing is wrong? • Do you think that Mrs. Jones has influenced Roger’s life in a positive way? How ? • Do you think that Roger will lead a “straight” life in the future? Why / why not ?
1-What did Roger try to do at the beginning of the story? • How did Mrs. Jones react to Roger’s actions? Was it what you expected? • . • Why do you think she took him home instead of calling the police? • 👉 He tried to steal Mrs. Jones’s purse to buy a pair of blue suede shoes. • 👉 Instead of getting angry or calling the police, she grabbed him, took him home, fed him, and talked to him kindly.It was unexpected because most people would be angry or call for help. • 👉 She understood that he was young and probably needed help and guidance. She saw an opportunity to teach him a lesson through kindness, not punishment.
How does Roger’s behavior change during the story? Give examples.👉 At first, he tries to run away. But later, he stays, listens, washes his face, and even sits where she can see him — showing he’s gaining trust and respect for her. • What theme or message do you think Langston Hughes wants readers to learn?👉 That kindness, empathy, and second chances can have a powerful impact. People can change when they are treated with respect and understanding. • What do you think Roger will remember most about that night?👉 He’ll remember that someone trusted and cared for him even after he did something wrong. Mrs. Jones showed him compassion instead of judgment. • Do you think Mrs. Jones made the right decision? Why or why not?👉 Yes, because her kindness made a deeper impression on Roger than punishment might have. It gave him a chance to think and change.(Some students might say no — encourage them to justify either side with reasoning.)
