Page 4 Thank You Ma'am

Preview


  1. Before reading "Thank You Ma'am", predict what the story will be about from the illustration on page 14.
  2. While reading, look for clues about character.  Record a key idea, insight, or conclusion you reached after making an inference.


For example, in "Thank You Ma'am", Langston Hughes uses colloquial speech to depict character traits.

People outside that age group or region may not understand these slang expressions.




Read the short story, "Thank You Ma'am on page 14 of SightLines 8.





Consider the expressions Luella uses.

"Um-hum...Ain't you got nobody at home to tell you to wash your face?"

"...shoes got by devilish ways will burn your feet."
  • Is this a prim and proper upper class lady?
  • Is this a tomboy?
  • Is this a cruel, evil witch?
  • Is this a young, innocent girl whose purse Roger tried to snatch?
  • Is this a tough street-wise woman?


Why does Langston Hughes use colloquial language?
  • It makes his characters and settings seem real.
  • It creates verisimilitude, or likeness to life.



  Please contact your teacher if you have questions.