We are studying short story elements. To help with understanding those elements, we read the story "Thank You, M'am" and applied those elements of short stories.
2. Quickwrite
• Have you ever wanted something so badly you
stole it? Describe the item, your action plan,
and the outcome.
3. Essential Questions
• What is the plot of the story?
• What is the theme of the story?
4. Setting
Place
Harlem, New York
Dark walkway
Mrs. Jones’ small flat
One room: bedroom, kitchen, living room, bathroom
Time
Late at night
1950’s
Clues: Blue Suede shoes
5. • Roger
– Main: conflict revolves
around him
– Dynamic: changes
• Starts out a thief and liar
• Wants Mrs. Jones to trust
him at the end
6. What connection is there between
what Roger wants and what he does at
the beginning of the story?
• He wants blue suede shoes so he tries to steal
her purse to get them.
7. • He does not succeed.
• He does not get away and she drags him
home to clean him, feed him, and talk to him.
11. • She doesn’t want to embarrass him.
• She wants him to feel comfortable and trust
her.
12. • She might want him to trust her so that he will
accept her advice.
13. • He looks up at her wanting to say thank you
and more but he says nothing.
14. • He realizes that he has been given something
so valuable and he does not know how to
express his thanks.
15. • He may stop stealing and find other ways to
make money.
16. • People can learn from their mistakes.
• Some people make bad choices due to lack of
guidance.
• Stealing is wrong.
• Trust and kindness can change someone’s life.