So, You Wanna Know How Roger and Mrs. Jones Met? Buckle Up, Buttercup, It's a Wild Ride (Kind Of)
Let's face it, meet-cutes in literature can be a bit...saccharine. Boy bumps into girl at the library, sparks fly, happily ever after. But Langston Hughes's short story "Thank You, M'am" throws that trope out the window with the force of a well-aimed purse.
The Not-So-Meet-Cute: A Purse-snatching Fiasco
Our story begins not with fluttering eyelashes, but with desperation. Roger, a young man down on his luck (and possibly a few meals), sets his sights on Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones's purse. Now, Roger, bless his heart, isn't exactly a criminal mastermind. Dude trips over his own shoelaces trying to make the grab.
Tip: Don’t just scroll to the end — the middle counts too.
Mrs. Jones: Purse Protector Extraordinaire
Mrs. Jones, however, is a force to be reckoned with. This ain't your grandma with a bingo card. We're talking a woman who could wrestle a crocodile for her evening bag. She grabs Roger faster than you can say "herringbone pattern," and let's just say our boy is not having a good day.
Tip: Share one insight from this post with a friend.
From Mugged to Mentored: An Unlikely Friendship Blooms (Ish)
 |
Now, instead of hauling Roger off to jail, Mrs. Jones marches him back to her apartment. Here's where things get interesting. She doesn't yell, doesn't call the cops (though, let's be real, Roger probably deserved it). Instead, she feeds him, makes him wash his dirty face (which, by the way, is a metaphor so deep it could win a freediving competition), and even listens to his woes (turns out, Roger just wanted some fancy blue suede shoes).
QuickTip: Read again with fresh eyes.
The End? More Like a New Beginning
By the end of their encounter, Roger's all misty-eyed (though it could be the soap) and Mrs. Jones gives him the money for the shoes. There's no grand declaration of friendship, no high fives. But there's a sense that Roger might just be on the right track, thanks to a stern but kind stranger and a well-placed purse.
QuickTip: Pause after each section to reflect.
So yeah, their first meeting wasn't exactly a walk in the park. More like a mugging gone...well, not exactly right, but definitely not what you expected, right?
 |
| How Do Roger And Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones First Meet |
FAQ: How to Meet Someone Unexpected (But Hopefully Not Purse-Snatchy)
- How to Meet Someone by Helping Old Ladies: This might not be Mrs. Jones's preferred method, but volunteering at a senior center or helping someone cross the street could spark a connection.
- How to Meet Someone Through Shared Mishaps: Spilled coffee? Bumped into someone cute at the library? Embrace the awkwardness! Laughter can be a great icebreaker. Just, you know, don't steal their coffee or books.
- How to Meet Someone by Taking a Class: Expand your horizons, learn something new! Who knows, you might meet your soulmate in pottery class or mastering the art of the perfect quiche.
- How to Meet Someone by Saying Hello to Strangers: Yes, really! A smile and a friendly greeting can go a long way. Just remember to be safe and use your best judgment.
- How to NOT Meet Someone by Stealing Their Purse: Seriously, folks, this is a terrible idea. There's a whole thing called jail involved. Let's avoid that, shall we?
There you have it! Hopefully, your meet-cute will be a little less dramatic (and purse-free) than Roger and Mrs. Jones's. But hey, if it leads to a positive change, maybe a little weirdness is okay.
 |
