Background information on Langston Hughes
Langston Hughes was one of the most prominent figures within the Harlem Renaissance movement. Born in 1902, he is known as a renowned poet, playwright, novelist and social activist whose contributions to African American culture and the American literary canon are incalculable. Among the many works he left behind, his short story “Thank You Ma’am” stands out as a timeless classic.
When did Langston Hughes write “Thank You Ma’am”?
Nearly 15 years into his career and while at the peak of the Harlem Renaissance, Langston Hughes wrote his short story “Thank You Ma’am” in 1958. This was the same year Hughes was nominated for the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry, and during which he received a Guggenheim Fellowship to study jazz and blues. Written for a high school reader, “Thank You Ma’am” is one of Hughes’ most beloved stories, having been adapted into films, taught in schools and studied by literary scholars.
The story of “Thank You Ma’am”
The story follows a low-income, African-American boy named Roger as he attempts to steal a woman’s purse in a dark alley late at night. After the woman, Luella Bates Washington Jones, successfully wrestles back her purse, she takes Roger to her home for dinner and offers him a chance to turn his life around and make something of himself. The woman’s kindness, despite her initial anger of having her purse stolen, is a powerful lesson about forgiveness and understanding.
Analysis of “Thank You Ma’am”
The story offers an insightful moral lesson as well as an interesting look into the African American experience in 1950s America. Despite the dire circumstances of his situation, Roger is just a young, impressionable boy and by the conclusion of the story, has clearly grown from his experience with Mrs. Jones. Even while knowing the situation he was in, the woman still shows her unwavering compassion and understanding. This stark contrast between impoverished environments and the individual’s ability to turn their life around is a clear theme within Langston’s work.
Expert Perspectives of “Thank You Ma’am”
According to Literary Critic and Hughes expert Emily Petermann, “Thank You Ma’am” captures an important part of Hughes approach to depicting African American life during this era. Petermann goes on to say, “Through its straightforward style, Hughes’ story is more accessible than much of his other work, yet it still holds an emotionally resonant message for readers.”
According to a study taken by the Duke University Department of English, “Thank You Ma’am” is one of the most taught short stories in American university English classes. The study also shows that the story is popular because of Hughes’ simplistic yet profound themes of redemption, hope and understanding.
Criticism and Reception of “Thank You Ma’am”
Though “Thank You Ma’am” is beloved by many, not everyone has been so fond. According to Victor D. Comerchero, “the language of ‘Thank You Ma’am’ is calm and placid, which keeps the tone from being too heavy to convey the message of hope that the author is trying to get across. While this helps raise the story’s accessibility to a younger audience, older readers may find the lack of excitement in its style slightly dull in comparison to Hughes’ other works.”
Hughes’ Cultural Impact
In his work, Langston Hughes almost presciently captured the cultural conditions of African Americans during this period. From the injustice and painful discrimination they faced to the simple acts of hope, understanding and change that individuals could make in even the most dire of circumstances, Langston’s work will forever remain a timeless reminder of how far America has come – and how far it still needs to go.
The Legacy of “Thank You Ma’am”
Since its publication in 1958, “Thank You Ma’am” has become one of the most enduring pieces of Hughes’ work. Translated into numerous languages, adapted into film and discussed by literary scholars, the story has been an integral part of the American literary landscape due to its message of understanding and hope.
The story has been adapted and reinterpreted multiple times over the years, from the original 1958 version to the 2003 musical adaptation. The fact that the story is still being produced and celebrated today is an enduring tribute to the lasting impact of Langston Hughes’ collective body of work, and “Thank You Ma’am” is a perfect example of why his work is as relevant today as it ever has been.
Interpretations of “Thank You Ma’am”
In recent years, “Thank You Ma’am” has become the subject of a range of interpretations. From theatrical productions to poetic analyses, the story has taken on new life as a living entity, open to new interpretations with each passing generation. The story’s resiliency has been both propelling the story forward while enlightening readers on the cultural, political and economic landscapes of 1950s America.
Students and Fans of Hughes’ Work
Hughes’ fans and admirers often find solace in his work, delving into the stories that he wrote to process their own emotions and search for answers to larger questions. From young students to professionals alike, Hughes’ work inspires and draws readers in, prompting them to consider the meaningful and powerful messages behind his stories.
Implications of the Story
The events that take place in “Thank You Ma’am” can have a profoundly positive effect on readers who might be in a similar situation. The story encourages people to assess their life and make the positive changes necessary to move forward. Furthermore, the story also conveys the idea that social and economic status does not define who we are as people, but rather our actions and our willingness to give may be what really matters.
Conclusion
Langston Hughes’ short story “Thank You Ma’am” continues to endure despite the passing of almost sixty years since it was first published. Through its powerful themes of understanding, redemption and the strength of small individual changes, “Thank You Ma’am” is a timeless reminder of Langston Hughes’ ongoing legacy.
