Thank You, Ma'am – Reasoning (20+ Questions)

Complete the following sentences by providing a brief reason. Do not repeat the question.

1. Roger attempts to steal Mrs. Jones's purse because __________

2. The purse strap breaks during the theft attempt because __________

3. Mrs. Jones takes Roger home instead of calling police because __________

4. Roger does not run away when Mrs. Jones releases him in her home because __________

5. Roger asks Mrs. Jones if she will take him to jail because __________

6. Mrs. Jones does not interrogate Roger about his family or home circumstances because __________

7. Roger offers to go to the store for Mrs. Jones during dinner because __________

8. Mrs. Jones tells Roger about her own past mistakes because __________

9. Mrs. Jones warns Roger that blue suede shoes bought devilish ways will burn his feet because __________

10. Mrs. Jones gives Roger ten dollars despite his attempted theft because __________

11. Roger wants to say something other than "thank you, m'am" at the end because __________

12. Roger cannot say anything more than "thank you, m'am" to Mrs. Jones before she closes the door because __________

13. The story suggests that Roger will remember Mrs. Jones forever because __________

14. Mrs. Jones's decision to show kindness instead of punishment is more effective because __________

15. Roger's character changes during his time with Mrs. Jones because __________

16. The blue suede shoes are significant to Roger because __________

17. Mrs. Jones represents a maternal figure to Roger because __________

18. The story is set late at night in a nearly deserted street because __________

19. Hughes uses simple, direct language in the story because __________

20. Roger's initial fear and shame gradually disappear during his time with Mrs. Jones because __________

21. The story suggests that economic desperation and lack of guidance contribute to youth crime because __________

Answer Key

i) He desperately wants money to buy a pair of blue suede shoes that he cannot otherwise afford.

ii) The purse is extremely heavy, and when Roger yanks it, his light weight and strength cannot overcome the purse's weight and Mrs. Jones's grip, causing the strap to snap instead.

iii) She recognizes that Roger is a desperate, misguided youth, not a hardened criminal, and believes he needs guidance, compassion, and a second chance rather than punishment.

iv) He is beginning to trust Mrs. Jones after observing her kindness, and her decision to bring him home suggests she has genuine interest in his welfare rather than revenge.

v) He fears legal consequences despite Mrs. Jones's kindness because his previous experience with authority figures likely taught him that punishment follows misbehavior.

vi) She respects his dignity and wants to avoid making him feel like a victim or criminal; she focuses on understanding and teaching him rather than judgment.

vii) He is demonstrating his gratitude, attempting to be helpful, and showing that Mrs. Jones's kindness has made him want to reciprocate with good behavior.

viii) She wants Roger to understand that she too has faced temptations and struggles similar to his own, creating empathy, connection, and showing him he is not alone in his desires.

ix) She is trying to teach him that obtaining things through dishonest or criminal methods will ultimately harm him more than help him; they symbolize a destructive path.

x) She sees genuine potential in Roger and believes that investment in his future is more valuable than punishment; she is demonstrating faith in his ability to change.