Panic, Plot
At what time of night does the story begin?
11 o'clock at night
What is the full name of the woman in the story?
Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones.
What does Roger say he wanted to buy?
a pair of blue suede shoes.
What does Mrs. Jones make for Roger to drink?
cocoa
Choose the option that lists the sequence of events from Langston Hughes’ short story, ‘Thank You, Ma’am’:
(a) 4, 2, 1, 3
(b) 2, 4, 1, 3
(c) 4, 1, 2, 3
(d) 1, 4, 3, 2
a
What does Mrs. Jones first notice about Roger’s appearance?
She notices that his face is dirty.
What does Mrs. Jones say she would do if Roger were her son?
She says that she would teach him right from wrong.
How is Roger dressed in the story?
He is described as wearing tennis shoes and blue jeans.
What does Roger’s dirty face suggest about his life?
Roger’s dirty face suggests that he may come from a neglected or difficult background. It hints that there may not be anyone at home to care for him properly or teach him basic habits. This small detail makes the reader feel that Roger’s life may be lonely and lacking guidance.
Select the option that shows the correct relationship between Statements (1) and (2) from Langston Hughes’ short story, ‘Thank You, Ma’am’:
Statement 1: Roger does not run away even when Mrs. Jones leaves the door open.
Statement 2: This shows that Roger is beginning to change and value Mrs. Jones’s trust.
(a) (1) is false, but (2) is true.
(b) Both (1) and (2) are false.
(c) (1) is true, but (2) is false.
(d) Both (1) and (2) are true.
d
What is the first clear sign that Mrs. Jones plans to teach Roger a lesson rather than simply punish him?
Instead of handing him over, Mrs. Jones takes him home, tells him to wash up, feeds him, and talks to him
What does Mrs. Jones mean when she says, “I have done things too”?
She means that she too has made mistakes in life, so she understands human weakness and does not judge Roger harshly.
What does Roger’s offer to go to the store show about him?
His offer to go to the store shows that he is becoming helpful and trustworthy.
Why is Roger unable to say more than “Thank you” at the end?
Roger is unable to say more than “Thank you” because he is deeply moved and overwhelmed by Mrs. Jones’s kindness. He did not expect care, trust, and generosity after trying to steal from her, so he feels strong emotions that he cannot fully express in words.
Select the option that shows the correct relationship between Statements (1) and (2) from Langston Hughes’ short story, ‘Thank You, Ma’am’:
Statement 1: Mrs. Jones humiliates Roger by asking many embarrassing questions about his family.
Statement 2: Mrs. Jones protects Roger’s dignity by not questioning him harshly about his home life.
(a) (1) is false, but (2) is true.
(b) Both (1) and (2) are false.
(c) (1) is true, but (2) is false.
(d) Both (1) and (2) are true.
a
Which moment best marks the beginning of Roger’s inner change, and why?
The beginning of Roger’s change is seen when he does not run away even when he can.
Why does Mrs. Jones leave her purse where Roger can see it?
She leaves her purse visible because she is testing / extending trust to Roger.
How is Roger different at the end of the story from the boy at the beginning?
At first Roger is careless and dishonest; by the end he is thoughtful and ashamed / more honest.
What does “shoes come by devilish like that will burn your feet” mean?
It means that things got in a wrong way will not bring real happiness. Mrs. Jones is warning Roger that if he gets the shoes by stealing, they will only make him feel guilty, troubled, and unhappy, as if they would “burn” his feet.
Choose the option that lists the sequence of events from Langston Hughes’ short story, ‘Thank You, Ma’am’:
(a) 3, 1, 4, 2
(b) 1, 3, 4, 2
(c) 3, 4, 1, 2
(d) 4, 3, 2, 1
c
If the story had ended on the street, what major idea would have been lost?
If the story ended on the street, we would lose the ideas of trust, kindness, moral change, and second chances.
Why is Mrs. Jones a memorable character even though we see her for only one night?
She is memorable because she is strong, funny, wise, compassionate, and unpredictable.
Why does Roger not want to be mistrusted by Mrs. Jones?
Roger does not want to be mistrusted because Mrs. Jones has trusted him, and he does not want to disappoint her.
Why is the open door symbolically important?
The open door is important because it symbolizes freedom of choice.
Select the option that shows the correct relationship between Statements (1) and (2) from Langston Hughes’ short story, ‘Thank You, Ma’am’:
Statement 1: Roger is able to speak freely and confidently at the end of the story.
Statement 2: Roger’s brief “Thank you” shows that he is emotionally affected by Mrs. Jones’s kindness.
(a)Both (1) and (2) are false.
(b)(1)is false, but (2) is true
(c) (1) is true, but (2) is false.
(d) Both (1) and (2) are true.
b