Key Facts & Setting
What is the time in history when this story was written and what is its genre?
Literary period - Harlem Renaissance
Literary genre - Short story
How does Roger topple on to the sidewalk?
Roger topples on to the sidewalk, when the strap of Mrs. Jones' bag snaps while is trying to steal it.
What are the 3 themes of the story?
The three themes are:
Power of compassion
Choice and circumstance
Trust
What does Mrs. Jones' many last names imply?
That she was married several times.
Why does Roger want to rob Mrs. Jones?
Because he wants to buy a pair of blue suede shoes.
How is the story resolved?
Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones gives Roger ten dollars to buy a pair of shoes before sending him on his way.
Why does Mrs. Jones drag him home?
Mrs. Jones insists on dragging him home with her to wash his face and feed him some supper.
What is Roger's initial morally wrong choice?
The initial choice of Roger to steal Mrs. Jones' bag is a morally wrong choice.
How does Mrs. Jones establish herself as a maternal figure for the boy?
Mrs. Jones' comment to Roger that he “ought to be [her] son” so that she could teach him “right from wrong” quickly establishes her as a maternal figure for the young boy.
What are the internal struggles that Roger faces?
Roger is likely embarrassed by his home, his absent family, and his poverty.
In the 1950s, African Americans were discriminated on the basis of colour. Hence, there was an awakening in them to reject racist stereotypes, celebrate their heritage, and define their own identity.
What is the reason that Mrs. Jones proposes for Roger attempt to steal her bag and what is the reason according to Roger?
Mrs. Jones proposes that hunger must have driven Roger’s attempted theft, but Roger denies this; he simply had his heart set on a pair of blue suede shoes.
Given the social setting of the story, what is the important theme proposed by the author?
The author stresses the importance of refusing to use the difficult circumstances like poverty, as an excuse for either misbehavior or overly harsh judgment of various communities.
How does the story reveal Mrs. Jones' empathy?
Mrs. Jones' empathy is revealed because she refuses to judge Roger’s behaviour, not pressing him on his clearly troubled home life nor moralising about his attempted crime. Instead, she insists that she, too, has “done things” she’s not proud of.
What enables Roger to reorient his life for the better?
Having been treated as a human being worthy of trust and compassion, Roger is able to reorient his life for the better.
What does the term 'Blue Suede Shoes' allude to?
Roger wants to buy 'blue suede shoes,' which is probably a reference to an Elvis Presley song of the same title, popular in the 1950s.
What does Mrs. Jones tell Roger that surprises him?
Mrs. Jones surprises Roger by admitting she, too, wanted things she couldn’t have when she was young and did things of which she is ashamed.
What is the outcome of compassion in the story?
While Mrs. Jones had every right to be angry and demand justice, her kindness and generosity gave Roger every reason to choose a different path in life.
What does the gesture of giving Roger money indicate about Mrs. Jones' character?
Mrs. Jones gives Roger money before sending him on his way, a gesture of trust and goodwill that signals her faith in his ability to make better decisions.
No. His apology was not sincere as he was afraid that Mrs. Jones would hand him over to the police and he wanted to escape the situation.
How do you infer that it is a tough neighbourhood?
It is a tough neighbourhood as evident from the manner in which Ms. Jones is able to respond immediately to the boy's attempts to steal her purse and the fact that she is not at all surprised. She "simply turned around and kicked him right square..."
Why is it said that the evening ended abruptly?
Mrs. Jones prepares a hearty meal for herself and Roger and they share a pleasant rapport during the meal. She surprises Roger with ten dollars for his wished-for shoes. The evening ends abruptly when sends him out in the night without giving him a chance to thank her or apologize.
How does Mrs. Jones show her trust in Roger?
When Mrs. Jones invites Roger home for a meal, she shows him trust and kindness, and this makes the boy want to prove himself trustworthy to her. As she goes to prepare the meal, she leaves her pocketbook on the bed and the door open, providing the perfect opportunity for Roger to steal it. Roger is moved by her trust in him and does not take advantage of her trust.
Why is Mrs. Jones the protagonist of the story?
A protagonist is the main character who drives the plot, faces the main conflict, and changes over the course of a story. Mrs. Jones' kindness and empathy, defuses a nasty situation and changes Roger's life for the better.
State two examples how Roger wants to reorient his life for the better.
1) Roger chooses to follow Mrs. Jones’s instructions to wash his face rather than run away when given the chance.
2) When she leaves her purse within his reach, he decides he wants her to trust him and does not take it.