PLOT
Why does Roger try to steal Mrs. Jones' purse?
He wants to buy blue suede shoes.
What does "mistrust" mean in the story?
Mistrust means lack of trust or suspicion. Initially, Roger may have mistrusted Mrs. Jones, but by the end, he learns to trust her.
What does the phrase "She was a large woman with a large purse" mean figuratively?
This phrase emphasizes Mrs. Jones' physical size and the significance of the purse, which becomes central to the plot.
How does Mrs. Jones' reaction to Roger trying to steal her purse reveal her personality?
Mrs. Jones is calm, firm, and compassionate, choosing to help Roger rather than punish him, which shows her nurturing and understanding nature.
What is the significance of the setting of the story (a dark street at night)?
The dark street symbolizes Roger’s sense of isolation and desperation, highlighting his need for guidance and the opportunity for a life-changing encounter with Mrs. Jones.
How does Mrs. Jones respond to Roger's attempt?
Mrs. Jones catches him, but instead of being angry, she calmly takes him to her home.
What does "drag" mean when describing how Mrs. Jones pulls Roger?
Drag means to pull someone or something along the ground with effort. Mrs. Jones drags Roger to her home after catching him trying to steal her purse.
What does the simile "Her big purse was like a bag of rocks" suggest about Mrs. Jones' purse?
This simile compares the heavy purse to a bag of rocks, suggesting that Mrs. Jones purse was heavy.
What does Roger's initial attempt to steal Mrs. Jones' purse tell us about his character?
Roger is desperate and hungry, showing that he is struggling and may lack guidance, but his actions also suggest he may be a product of his difficult circumstances.
How does Mrs. Jones show trust in Roger?
Mrs. Jones trusts Roger when she leaves her purse on the chair and goes into the other room, giving him the chance to prove he’s trustworthy.
Why does Mrs. Jones decide not to report Roger?
She sees that Roger is hungry and in need, and she wants to teach him a lesson about trust and kindness rather than turning him in.
hat is the meaning of the word "content" when describing Mrs. Jones' attitude?
Content means being in a state of peaceful happiness. Mrs. Jones is content in her decision to help Roger rather than punish him.
What is the meaning of "The woman was a large, fierce-looking woman" in the story?
This description uses "fierce-looking" to convey that Mrs. Jones is imposing and might appear intimidating.
How does Mrs. Jones’ decision to take Roger to her home reflect her values?
Mrs. Jones values kindness, second chances, and the importance of teaching others through actions, as she chooses to care for Roger instead of turning him over to the authorities.
Why does Roger hesitate when Mrs. Jones gives him the $10?
Roger hesitates because he is overwhelmed by her kindness and unsure how to respond, as he has never experienced such generosity before.
How does Roger change during the story?
Roger becomes more respectful and appreciative, showing gratitude and trust in Mrs. Jones by the end of the story.
What does the word "berate" mean in the context of the story?
Berate means to scold or criticize someone angrily. In the story, Mrs. Jones does not berate Roger despite his attempted theft.
What does "She had him by the wrist" represent in a figurative sense?
This phrase symbolizes Mrs. Jones' control over the situation, indicating she has power over Roger.
In what way does Roger's behavior change after interacting with Mrs. Jones?
Roger becomes more respectful and grateful, showing personal growth and a newfound understanding of kindness and trust by the end of the story.
What does Roger’s reaction to the food Mrs. Jones offers him tell us about him?
Roger’s eagerness to eat suggests that he is hungry and perhaps has not experienced regular care or nourishment, highlighting his difficult circumstances.
What does the $10 Mrs. Jones gives Roger symbolize?
The $10 symbolizes Mrs. Jones' belief in second chances and her kindness, offering Roger an opportunity to make a better choice.
What does "clutch" mean in the context of Roger holding Mrs. Jones' purse?
Clutch means to grasp something tightly. Roger clutched Mrs. Jones' purse when he tried to steal it.
What is the figurative meaning of the sentence "Roger looked at her as if she were a mother" near the end?
This sentence figuratively shows how Roger, who lacks a strong maternal figure, starts to view Mrs. Jones as a mother figure due to her kindness and care toward him.
What can we infer about Mrs. Jones’ past based on her interactions with Roger?
Mrs. Jones likely has experience with hardship and understands the importance of compassion, suggesting she may have faced difficulties in her own life and now wants to guide others.
Why does the story end with Roger saying, “Thank you, Ma’am”?
The story ends with Roger expressing his gratitude because he has learned a valuable lesson about kindness, trust, and human connection. It’s a reflection of his emotional growth and newfound respect for Mrs. Jones.