In Langston Hughes's celebrated short story "Thank You, Ma'am," Roger attempts to steal Mrs. Jones's purse but accidentally falls to the pavement. Mrs. Jones immediately grabs him by the collar and makes Roger pick up her purse before she proceeds to drag him home. As Roger struggles to get away from Mrs. Jones, she tightens her grip and puts him in a half-nelson. Instead of calling the authorities, Mrs. Jones is determined to teach Roger a lesson on her own and handle the situation. Initially, Roger is worried and wants to run away. He is not familiar with Mrs. Jones and simply wants to be let go. Roger more than likely thinks that Mrs. Jones will punish him for his actions and assumes that she will eventually call the police.

Once Mrs. Jones arrives at her home with Roger in her grasp, she lets him go and instructs Roger to wash himself in the sink. When Roger asks if Mrs. Jones is going to take him to jail, she responds by offering him a home-cooked meal. At first, Roger is perplexed and contemplates running out the door, but he eventually trusts that Mrs. Jones is a sympathetic, hospitable woman. Mrs. Jones proceeds to feed Roger before giving him ten dollars to purchase a pair of blue suede shoes, which astonishes Roger, who is grateful and thankful for everything Mrs. Jones has done for him.