In Langston Hughes' short story "Thank You, Ma'am," the character Roger exemplifies desperation in a multifaceted manner that reflects his challenging circumstances and the choices he makes. Roger is a young boy who attempts to steal a purse from Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones, a larger woman who has an unusual yet effective way of dealing with his misguided actions. His desperation can be traced back to his background, as it becomes apparent that he is grappling with poverty and a lack of guidance, which ultimately drives him to consider theft as a means of survival. When Roger spots Mrs. Jones walking alone, his immediate instinct is rooted in his dire situation; he believes that snatching her purse might provide him with some quick cash or at least something of value that could alleviate his hunger or fulfill some other urgent need in his life. However, his plan goes awry when Mrs. Jones catches him in the act, which reveals his vulnerability and fear in a moment that could have had far more severe consequences. As Mrs. Jones forcibly drags Roger into her home rather than taking him to the authorities, we witness the transformative effect of her compassion and the stark contrast to the despair that Roger embodies at the outset. His desperation is further highlighted by his initial reaction to Mrs. Jones; he is apprehensive, believing that he will be met with anger or punishment, yet her unexpected kindness forces him to confront his own behavior and the circumstances that have led him to this point. Throughout the story, Roger's inner thoughts lay bare a tumultuous mix of shame, guilt, and an emerging recognition of the possibility of redemption. As Mrs. Jones tends to him and offers him not only food but also a moment of genuine human connection, Roger's desperation begins to give way to a sense of hope—a hope that suggests that perhaps there is another way out of his predicament that does not involve crime. He realizes that the world may not be completely devoid of kindness, as exemplified by Mrs. Jones's willingness to open her home and heart to a young boy who, at first glance, seemed entirely lost. Thus, Roger's character arc from a desperate thief to a young man who is given a second chance encapsulates a powerful theme about the impact of empathy and understanding in alleviating desperation. In a moment of vulnerability, he experiences a revelation; the warmth and guidance extended to him by Mrs. Jones culminates in a pivotal turning point where he begins to shed the layers of shame associated with his actions, leading to a nuanced understanding of himself and his place in the world. As the story concludes, Roger is left distinctively changed—not entirely free from desperation but certainly equipped with the understanding that he is worthy of kindness and capable of change. This profound realization underscores the notion that even in the depths of desperation, there lies the potential for transformation driven by compassion and connection with others. Ultimately, Hughes' narrative not only sheds light on Roger's personal struggles but also serves as a commentary on the societal obligations we hold to one another, illustrating that the act of reaching out can bring about significant change in the lives of those drowning in desperation.
Write a 316 page paragraph about how roger was desperate in thank you maam
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