1. Langston Hughes
“Thank You, Ma’am”

2. Before Reading: Connect to Your Life
On the next available page in your literature notebook, add the title “Thank You, Ma’am.” Then read the quote and answer the questions below in complete sentences. (3-5 sentences)
An African proverb says, “It takes two parents to produce a child, but it takes an entire village to raise a child.”
Do you agree?
Why or why not?

3. Before Reading: Build Background
Read the Build Background section on page 29 in your literature book.
In your notebook, record at least two important details about the setting, Harlem, that you feel may affect events in the story.
Langston Hughes was from Harlem. Why do you think he chose to set the story in his hometown? (1-2 sentences in your notebook.)

4. Before Reading: Understand Vocabulary
Synonyms:
Words that have the same or nearly the same meaning.
Lists of synonyms can be found in a thesaurus.
Choosing synonyms:
Not all synonyms are appropriate for a particular sentence.
The best way to choose a synonym is to substitute the work in the sentence to see if it makes sense.

5. Before Reading: Understand Vocabulary
Choose the most appropriate synonyms for the underlined words.
He made himself presentable by combing his hair and washing his face.
(suitable, tidy, decent)
The boy was frail and did not have the strength to pull away from Mrs. Jones.
(weak, brittle, short-lived)
Her barren front steps gave the house a lonely look.
(empty, dull, unprofitable)
Roger didn’t want Mrs. Jones to mistrust him any longer.
(suspect, discredit, doubt)

6. Before Reading: Understand Vocabulary
Barren
Frail
Mistrust
presentable
suede

7. Reading 1: Understand Types of Conflict
Conflict is the struggle between two forces.
It results when the main character, or protagonist, encounters a problem– a force which may prevent him of her from achieving a goal.
There are four basic types of conflict, each involving a different type of obstacle, or antagonist.

8. Character vs. Character
The protagonist has a problem with one or more of the other characters.

9. Character vs. Self
The protagonist must deal with a problem within himself. The character has conflicting emotions that draw him in different directions.

10. Character vs. Society
The character has a problem with a particular sector of society: family, friends, community, rules, government, and so on.

11. Character vs. Nature
The character must deal with a force of nature.

12. Group Discussion Questions
What happens to Roger and to Mrs. Jones’s purse when he tries to steal it?
How does Mrs. Jones react to the boy who tried to steal her purse?
How does Roger conduct himself in Mrs. Jones’s home?
Why does Roger decide not to run?
What reason does Mrs. Jones express for giving Roger the money for blue suede shoes?

13. Reading 2: Understanding Cause and Effect

14. Reading 2: Understanding Cause and Effect
Event: No paper in the classroom
Cause
Effect
Students didn’t bring paper to class.
They couldn’t do writing assignments.
Someone took all the paper.
Students had to borrow paper from another class.
The teacher accidentally threw all of the paper away.
Students couldn’t take tests.

15. Reading 2: Understanding Cause and Effect
Event: The classroom is noisy.
Cause
Effect

16. Reading 2: Understanding Cause and Effect
Flat tire on a car  
Bubble gum stuck to shoe
Ice cream melted in bowl 
Dog barked loudly for hours.

17. Comparing Text to Film
In your LNb, create a character sketch of Roger and one of Mrs. Jones. It should be similar to the one below.
Physical Appearance
Clothing
Character:
Mrs. Jones
Personality
Motivation

18. Reading 3: Plot Structure
Plot is the sequence of events that make up a story.
Most plots unfold in four stages:
Exposition: characters and conflict are introduced
Rising Action: complications arise as characters struggle with conflict
Climax: turning point of the story
Falling action: loose ends are tied up and the story ends
Complete the Plot Structure worksheet as you read the story for the 3rd time.

19. Comparing Text to Film Discuss with your table partner:
How do you think each character should be portrayed in a movie?

20. Comparing Text to Film
When filmmakers adapt a story or novel into film, he or she faces several questions:
To what extent should changes be made in the story’s language or plot?
Which actors should be cast and how should they be costumed?
What should the setting look like?
As you watch the film version of “Thank You, Ma’am,” note how the filmmakers addressed these questions.

21. Comparing Text to Film Viewer’s Guide
As you watch the film, complete the Viewer’s Guide, which will help you make comparisons between the story and the movie.
Pay attention to the following:
The portrayal of Roger
The last line of dialogue

22. Comparing Text to Film
After viewing: Answer at least 3 of the following questions in your LNb.
How did you feel about the ending of the film? Why?
What did you think was the most significant change that the filmmakers made in adapting the story to film?
Why do you think the filmmakers made Roger younger than he is in the short story?
How did the filmmakers change Roger’s delivery of the last line in the story? Why do you think they chose to do this?
What differences did you notice in the setting? Why do you think the filmmaker chose to make these changes?