Review of the Literary Elements: Plot, Character. Theme, and Setting

Video Clip of "Thank You M'am"

Literary Elements of "Thank You M'am"

Refer to the story "Thank You M'am" and find examples of the literary elements in the story.  Write the term and example from the story (make sure you write your name):


1. Metaphor (A figure of speech that compares two things without using the words like or as. The road was a ribbon of moonlight.)


2. Simile (A figure of speech that compares two things using like or as. His muscles are strong as an iron rod.)


3.  Figurative Language (Language that goes beyond the normal meaning of the words used.  A metaphor, simile, hyperbole, personification, and alliteration.)


4.  Imagery (Words that create a certain picture in the reader's mind. The sky was black and murky, the streets were muddy and wet.)


5.  Mood: Happiness and Sadness (The feeling a text arouses in the reader)


6.  Protagonist (The main character and hero of the story)

"Thank You M'am" Comprehension Questions

Answer any 5 of the following comprehension questions about "Thank You M'am" in the comment section (make sure you write your name and indicate the question number you are answering):

1.  What kind of person is the woman?  What is your evidence?
2.  What do you know about the boy?
3.  What do you guess his life is like?
4.  What does the boy think is going to happen to him? Why?
5.  What do you think Mrs. Jones' intentions are?
6.  Why doesn't Roger run?
7.  Explain what Mrs. Jones means when she says, "shoe come by devilish like that will burn your feet"?
8.  What is she trying to teach him?
9.  Do you think Roger got her message?  How do you know?

"Thank You M'am" by Langston Hughes

"Thank You M'am" is a short story written by Langston Hughes in 1955.  It is a coming to age story about the lessons bestowed upon a young boy named Roger from an old lady who he attempts to rob.

Listen to the story by pressing the link below and read along:
"Thank You M'am" audio

Read the the story text by pressing on the link below and read with the audio:
"Thank You M'am" text