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What is an internal conflict that Roger has in thank you maam

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In "Thank You, Ma’am" by Langston Hughes, one internal conflict that Roger experiences revolves around his desire for material possessions and his longing for guidance and understanding. When he attempts to steal Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones's purse, it reflects his desperation and the influence of his circumstances. However, after being caught, he grapples with feelings of shame and guilt, realizing that his actions were misguided.

Throughout the encounter with Mrs. Jones, Roger's internal conflict deepens as he feels a growing sense of compassion and respect for her. While he initially wants to flee, he becomes increasingly aware of the kindness and understanding she offers. This conflict between his initial desire for personal gain and his emerging understanding of trust and human connection illustrates his struggle between the influences of his environment and the possibility of personal redemption. Ultimately, Roger's experience leads him to reconsider his choices and the impact of his actions on himself and others.

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Certainly! Roger's internal conflict in "Thank You, Ma'am" can be explored in greater depth.

Initially, Roger is motivated by a desire for material gain — specifically, he wants the money he believes he can get from Mrs. Jones's purse. However, this desire is rooted in deeper issues, such as poverty and a lack of guidance in his life. This reflects a conflict between his immediate wants and the morality of his actions.

Once Mrs. Jones confronts him, Roger's internal conflict begins to shift. He realizes that he is dealing with a strong and empathetic figure in Mrs. Jones. As she speaks to him and shares her own experiences, Roger starts to reflect on his actions and their consequences. He feels a mix of emotions: desperation, shame, and a longing for connection. He experiences a moral awakening as he understands that stealing is not just a means to an end but also a betrayal of trust and respect.

In a pivotal moment when Mrs. Jones chooses to take him to her home rather than turning him in, Roger's internal conflict intensifies. He grapples with feelings of insecurity and vulnerability; he is not accustomed to kindness from an adult, and this challenges his previous understanding of relationships. As Mrs. Jones prepares food for him, Roger is confronted with the warmth of human connection, which starkly contrasts with his earlier actions and mindset.

By the end of the story, Roger's internal conflict has led him to a moment of self-discovery. He is left with a sense of gratitude and respect for Mrs. Jones, realizing that her actions — providing him with understanding rather than punishment — have the potential to change his perspective on life. It demonstrates how kindness can lead to personal growth and the reevaluation of one's choices. He ultimately recognizes that there is more to life than just immediate gratification and that respect, trust, and kindness are valuable.

Allowing himself to be vulnerable in front of Mrs. Jones marks a critical turning point for Roger. This internal conflict highlights themes of redemption, the impact of community, and the power of compassion in personal transformation.

More internal conflicyts, I meant

Of course! Here are some additional internal conflicts that Roger experiences throughout the story:

  1. Desperation vs. Morality: At the beginning of the story, Roger is driven by desperation, which pushes him to commit theft. His immediate need to obtain something that he feels is lacking in his life conflicts with his instincts about right and wrong. As Mrs. Jones confronts him, he grapples with the recognition that his actions are not justified, reflecting an internal struggle between his basic survival instincts and his moral compass.

  2. Trust vs. Fear: When Mrs. Jones decides to take Roger to her home instead of calling the police, he experiences tension between his instinctual fear of adults (especially those in authority) and a dawning sense of trust. Throughout their interaction, he is uncertain whether she will genuinely help him or if her kindness is a façade that might lead to further consequences. This internal conflict is significant as he learns to lower his guard and allow himself to be vulnerable.

  3. Shame vs. Acceptance: Roger feels an overwhelming sense of shame after being caught trying to steal. As Mrs. Jones talks to him, he struggles with accepting that he has made a mistake and allowing himself to feel worthy of the kindness being shown to him. His shame conflicts with his desire for acceptance; he internally debates whether he can change and be a better person or if he will continually succumb to his past behaviors.

  4. Loneliness vs. Connection: Roger’s life is marked by loneliness, a theme that emerges when he interacts with Mrs. Jones. As she shares her life story and connects with him on a personal level, he feels a conflict between his ingrained isolation and the human connection she offers. He longs for someone to care for him, yet he is hesitant to embrace that connection, fearing vulnerability and rejection.

  5. Child vs. Adult: Roger embodies the conflict between childhood innocence and adult responsibilities. On the one hand, he acts out and makes poor decisions typical of a child struggling with life's challenges. On the other hand, there are moments in the story when he shows maturity and a desire for respect, especially in his interactions with Mrs. Jones. He grapples with wanting to be recognized as more than just a petty thief and longs for the chance to prove himself as someone capable of making better choices.

  6. Impulsivity vs. Reflection: Initially, Roger acts impulsively when he tries to steal from Mrs. Jones, driven by a fleeting desire for money. However, as the encounter progresses, he moves into a reflective state, considering the implications of his actions and the personal stories shared by Mrs. Jones. This conflict between his impulse to grab what he wants quickly and his newfound ability to reflect on the impact of his actions showcases growth.

Through these internal conflicts, Roger's character development is highlighted, emphasizing the themes of redemption, growth, the complexity of human emotion, and the profound impact of compassionate relationships. By the end of the story, he is left pondering his experiences and the lessons learned, which creates a robust foundation for his personal transformation.