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When was the story "Thank You, M'am" by Langston Hughes written?

“Thank you, M’am” was written in 1958.  The story is about a teenage boy named Roger who tries to steal the purse of a very tough lady named Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones.  She does not let him steal her purse, but instead of calling the police she takes him home.


Mrs. Jones wants to talk to Roger.  She tells him that she was young once, and understands what he is going through.  She feels sorry for him because he has no one at home.  When he tried to steal her purse it was late at night, and he hadn’t eaten and his face was dirty.


Roger considers leaving, but doesn’t.  He stays and listens to Mrs. Jones.  He even asks her if she needs anything.  She tells him that if he wanted money, all he had to do was ask.  The money was for blue suede shoes.  Roger wants to thank her as he is leaving, and knows he will never see her again.

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