Keywords: Langston Hughes, Donna, act of kindness Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay The narrator Aesop once quipped, “Any act of kindness, no matter how small, is never wasted.” This truth is highlighted in Langston Hughes' short story, "Thank You, Ma'am," when a woman helps a boy from the wrong side of the road get back on the right path, even though he has wronged her. The woman's merciful but firm attitude enlightens the mischievous boy about his mistakes. In the end, a little generosity and kindness will go a long way. As the story begins to take shape, Roger is a misguided young man, still untouched by the woman's kindness. He fails in his attempt to steal a purse from Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones and is already paying the price. Says the author: “The big woman just turned around and kicked him in his blue denim onesie. Then he reached down, grabbed the boy by the shirt and shook him until his teeth rattled.” Evidently, Mrs. Jones is taking matters into her own hands to discipline the wayward boy, rather than leaving him to the police. She punishes him for his misdeeds with the sole intent of discouraging him from making similar mistakes in the future. In this way, it is her concern for his well-being and future that drives her to take such severe action. Another example of Mrs. Jones' compassionate, almost maternal, attitude towards Roger occurs when she confronts him verbally. She remarks, “You should be my son. I would teach you right from wrong. The least I can do right now is wash your face. Are you hungry?" While most people would have resented their attackers, Mrs. Jones wanted to care for Roger and even take him under her wing. It is significant that her priority was to care for the boy, don't report it to the authorities. In conclusion, Mrs. Jones has shown enormous generosity towards Roger, and this has made a difference. Subsequently, Mrs. Jones continues her motherly role towards Roger, even softening a little. She “did not ask the boy anything about where he lived, or about his parents, or anything else that might embarrass him. Instead, as they ate, she told him about her job.” boy speaking to him in a friendly manner, discussing a lighthearted topic with him to calm his mind and establish a caring relationship with him, as if he were his son, he says: "Now here, take this ten dollars and buy yourself some blue suede shoes... The boy wanted to say something other than 'Thank you, ma'am'... but although his lips moved, he couldn't." Surprisingly, Mrs. Jones gave the boy the money he had tried to steal from her, along with a valuable lesson. As for Roger, he was clearly moved by her charity and amazed that anyone could be so forgiving; he had evidently learned his lesson. All in all, Mrs. Jones showed great mercy towards Roger and was rewarded with the satisfaction of knowing that she had made a positive impact on his life. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Personalize EssayAs Aesop brilliantly observed, “Any act of kindness, no matter how small, is never wasted.” Langston Hughes sheds light on this reality in his short story “Thank You Madam.” Roger is surprised by.