Structure

When analyzing a short story like “Thank You, M’am” by Langston Hughes it is recommended to discuss its structure. 

Language and style of writing

“Thank You, M’am” by Langston Hughes is written in a simple language, easy to understand by a large readership. The style of the short story is descriptive and colorful. The author introduces some specific language and style devices:

Colloquial

Most of the dialogue between Mrs. Luella and Roger is written in a colloquial style. This happens in order to highlight the personality of Mrs. Luella, who is African-American. Here is but one example:

“Um-hum! Your face is dirty. I got a great mind to wash your face for you. Ain’t you got nobody home to tell you to wash your face?”
“No’m,” said the boy.  

The narrator sometimes uses colloquial descriptions to render the actions: “The large woman simply turned around and kicked him right square in his blue-jeaned sitter.” 

The use of colloquial makes the short story and the dialogues more convincing, giving them authenticity.

Repetition

Repetition is employed almost all the time when the boy speaks. At first, he almost obsessively repeats “Yes’m” or “No’m”, afraid that the woman whom he attacked will call the police. This repetition shows that Roger, although he violently attacked Mrs. Luella, is still a scared child.

Another example of repetition is the following; it indicates the boy’s urge to flee: “The door was open. He could make a dash for it down the hall. He could run, run, run, run!” 

Imagery

Imagery is created through the use of descriptions. Verbs, adverbs and adjectives help create visual images. Some of the imagery form epithets. For example, the boy wanted to run “full blast”, but the woman kicks him until his “teeth rattled” . Mrs. Luella grips the boy “firmly”  and the boy is “frightened” . Although he is an attacker, he is “frail and willow-wild”.

Interjection

As you have see...