Editor's Choice
What is your opinion on "Thank You, M'am" by Langston Hughes?
Quick answer:
"Thank You, M'am" by Langston Hughes offers a narrative that can be interpreted as either a universal tale or one rooted in specific cultural contexts. While some argue the absence of racial identifiers universalizes the story, others might see it as implicitly African American due to Hughes's background. The story is often viewed as inspirational, emphasizing themes of kindness and second chances, embodied by Mrs. Jones's actions and Roger's transformation, making it relevant for young audiences.
The key to writing a persuasive essay is that it must convince someone of something. In other words, one cannot simply summarize the story or write a critical appreciation. The key to making an essay genuinely persuasive is that its thesis is one with which readers could disagree. In other words, saying that the story is about coming of age or inspiring or touching really is not an appropriate claim, because it is not one with which most readers would disagree or one is which displays original thought.
One interesting topic to address might be race, or rather its absence. The description of the woman and young boy do not include any hint as to their skin color. Since Langston Hughes was a prominent writer in the Harlem Renaissance and wrote extensively about the African American experience, many contemporary readers assume that the boy and woman are both African American....
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However, this is not explicitly stated anywhere in the story. This is all the more puzzling because Mrs. Jones mentions in detail the races and appearances of her clients at work, describing:
. . . her job in a hotel beauty-shop that stayed open late, what the work was like, and how all kinds of women came in and out, blondes, red-heads, and Spanish.
Interesting, no black women appear in the list. In a persuasive essay, one could argue about why Langston Hughes did not explicitly reveal the ethnicity of the characters or include black women among the clients. One could argue either that Hughes assumed that readers would understand that the woman and boy were black without being told or that he was trying to universalize the story by not fixing the race of the two characters in readers' minds.
Thank You, M'am by Langston Hughes serves as a guide to young adults. In writing a persuasive essay about it, the writer must convince the reader that a particular point of view is the best and only real opinion that has any relevance. Therefore, it is necessary to use textual evidence to prove that this short story is an inspirational story, if that is your opinion, or an unrealistic impression if that is your opinion. I prefer the optimistic choice and like to consider that this is an inspiration to others who may be persuaded to emulate Mrs. Jones's actions for no reason other than the fact that it is the right thing to do.
In considering this position, therefore, the introduction should be in the first person plural- "we" - so that the reader feels included in reaching a conclusion. The writer should state his argument so that the reader understands and there is no room for confusion. The thesis statement could say, for example, something about how kind actions have effects that can be felt forever, how second chances apply to everyone, and raising expectations helps young people learn and rise to a higher standard.
There needs to be about three body paragraphs and in each one, the writer needs to discuss the relevant issues that will contribute to stating and persuading the reader about this story. One paragraph could be about their initial meeting and how Mrs. Jones soon notices Roger's dirty face and decides to do something about it, even though he has just tried to steal from her. It should also discuss Roger's initial hostility, even though he is the perpetrator because, in the second body paragraph, the writer can show how his attitude is changing, and by the third how he is transformed. Show how his behavior and attitude reveal that even Roger believes that he can do better. A good example of this is when he offers to run an errand.
In the conclusion, wrap up the ideas from the first paragraph about how the goodness of man is endless (Mrs. Jones just wants what is best, even for this complete stranger and even makes sacrifices for Roger. The $10 she gives him is hard-earned) and the effects of that goodness are immeasurable. Confirm that even Roger believes he can do better and remind the reader that second chances are perfect learning opportunities.