“Thank You, M’am”Short Story by Langston

Hughes

Objective• Through the study of complex plot

elements, the student will be able to explain characterization and demonstrate understanding by creating a visual representation of the types of characterization and STAR process.

Characterization• Based on your prior knowledge and

parts of the word, what is characterization?

• Characterization is the way in which an author reveals a character.

• We characterize people all the time. Think about a person you would never trust. Why do you not trust him or her?

Characterization• Characterization is what an

author uses to reveal or describe character traits

• There are two ways an author can develop character:– Direct characterization– Indirect characterization

Direct Characterization• The writer makes direct statements

about a character's personality and tells what the character is like.

• For example:– If the narrator in “Thank You, Ma’m”

told us that Mrs. Jones was tough, nurturing, and generous.

Indirect Characterization• the writer reveals information about

a character and his personality through:– The character's words– The character’s thoughts– The character’s actions– The character’s appearance– How other characters respond to them:

what they say or think about them

Characterization Acronym

• S- says• T- thinks• A- acts or appears • R- react or respond

Direct or Indirect?• A. Julie owned a multitude of outfits and

accessories, and it always took her forever to decide which combination might impress Trent. As usual, she called her sister several times for advice. After doing so, Julie decided to give the navy blue skirt with the white sweater a try.

Direct or Indirect?• B. Julie held up six different outfits in front of

the mirror and pondered which would go best with her navy blue shoes, pastel eye shadow and the diamond earrings she’d already procured from her overflowing vanity. After ninety minutes of mixing and matching, and cell-phoning her sister three times for advice, Julie finally made up her mind. She’d give the navy blue skirt and white sweater a try, hoping Trent would love it.

Who is Langston Hughes?

• Name: James Langston Hughes

• Lived: February 1, 1902 – May 22, 1967

• Considered one of the earliest innovators of the literary art form “jazz poetry”

• Best known for his work during the Harlem Renaissance

Langston’s Philosophies• Tried to depict the real lives of blacks in the

lower social-economic class• Criticized the divisions and prejudices based on

skin color within the black community• Stressed theme "black is beautiful" when

exploring the black human condition in a variety of depths

• Primary concern was the uplift of his people, whose strengths, resiliency, courage, and humor he wanted to record as part of the general American experience

Harlem, New York• What do you think

of when you think of Harlem?

• Harlem

– Neighborhood in New York City, 1920s

VOCABULARY

Presentable• Presentable:

– respectable, fit to be seen, acceptable

– Not dressed in blue jeans, tee shirt, dirty

• “You might run that comb through your hair so you will look presentable.”

Mistrusted• distrust, doubt,

suspect, be wary of, be afraid of

• “And he did not want to be mistrusted now.”

Latching• Clutching. grasping.

Holding, grabbing, seizing

• “…do not make the mistake of latching onto my pocketbook nor nobody else’s …”

Barren• Unproductive, sterile,

desolate, bleak, infertile, unfruitful, inhospitable

• “…he couldn’t even say that as he turned at the foot of the barren stoop and looked up at the large woman in the door.”

Blue Suede Shoes

How does characterization work?

• Look at the information in the text.• Think: What do I learn about the

character?

Model: Remember the hallway story?It’s your first day in school. You are nervous enough as it is when a big kid comes down the hall and slams you with his backpack. “Get out of the way,” the kid screams as if it was your fault. You’re in a hurry to get to class, so you let this slide.After lunch, you are at your locker when the guy from the hallway is headed your way again. “Great,” you think only to realize he is coming to the locker beside you.“What is your problem?” he demands looking at you. You want to tell him to mind his own business or maybe offer him a hug, but before you can get a word out, he slams his locker door open and right into your shoulder.“This is my hall and my school!” He screams. “As soon as you realize where you are and what you’re doing you might make it to the end of the day in one piece. Otherwise, you don’t want to be running in to me again!”

SettingPlace

Harlem, New YorkDark walkwayMrs. Jones’ small flat

One room: bedroom, kitchen, living room, bathroom

TimeLate at night1950’s

Clues: Blue Suede shoes

Conflict• External–Man vs. Man• Roger steals Mrs. Jones’ purse

• Internal–Man vs. Self• Roger wants to run away but doesn’t want to

disappoint Mrs. Jones

Theme• Right vs. wrong• Forgiveness• Restitution

Look at Characterization• In your own words, what is

characterization?• In your own words, what is indirect

characterization?• In your own words, what is direct

characterization?

Thank You M’am: LuellaType of Indirect Characterization

Example Explanation

S- SAYS

T-THINKS

A-ACTS

A-APPEARANCE

R-RESPONSE

Characters• Mrs. Luella Bates

Washington Jones– Main: is involved in

the conflict– Static: doesn’t

change• Always caring and

strong

Characters• Roger

– Main: conflict revolves around him• Both Internal and

External Conflict– Dynamic: changes

• Starts out a thief and liar

• Wants Mrs. Jones to trust him at the end