How many themes are present in "Thank You, Ma'am?" Name them.

I see three clear themes in "Thank You, Ma'am" by Langston Hughes: loss of innocence, second chances, and compassion for humankind.

In Roger, we see a boy who is maturing into a young man. However, at the onset of the story, it appears as though his life is headed in a negative direction. We infer from the story that this episode of purse-snatching is not Roger's first transgression with the law. We sense that he has lived a troubled life with few, if any, adults to love and care for him or provide positive role models. In Mrs. Jones, we see that positive role model emerge. Despite Roger's waiting to be punished or "taken to jail" for his crime, Mrs. Jones shows Roger compassion and offers him a second chance.