“Perhaps the mission of an artist is to interpret beauty to people-the beauty within themselves.” These words were spoken by renowned author Langston Hughes, clearly resembles the attitude he takes in his short story “Thank you Ma’am.” The Harlem renaissance era denotes the start of the African American identity taking a swift turn from a dreadful state-of-existence inherited by the psychological damages of slavery and white supremacy (Britannica). For the first time ever, the future was bright and the opportunities for intellectual and economic advancement were becoming a reality. In his story, Hughes’ passion towards the plight of the negro is illustrated thru Mrs. Jones’ fervent reaction to the boy’s attempt to steal her purse. In her nurturing and compassionate handling of the lost kid; most people would rightfully identify Mrs. Jones as the heroine; however, one could argue the real hero of the story is the boy. Through his character’s growth, Hughes conveys a tone of complexity, sincerity and reverence; to illustrate this new sense of empowerment, evolving within the African American individual.
Hughes emerged from a community of intellectuals; seeking to create a new identity apart from the “negro” stereotype conceptualized by the slaveowner culture. Mrs. Jones understands this dynamic; after being ambushed she kicks and grabs the boy by the neck of his shirt and “shook him until his teeth rattled.” The reader understands, although the boy is engaging in criminal activity, there is a sense of frailty in his personality; which illustrates the boy is not a violent person, just a poor kid struggling to survive. The boy’s complex persona, is seen in the initial interaction, when Mrs. Jones could have further retaliated, instead she provides compassion; ultimately, what started as a bad encounter, evolves into educating the boy on how life circumstances are not a reason to continue on a self-destructive...