Langston Hughes grew up poor and black during the time of segregation. He and his friends and neighbors longed for material item
s and a better life like that of some white men they observed. Hughes drew upon his life experiences when he created his works. Do you think Hughes knew someone like Roger or Mrs. Jones? Could he, himself, have been Roger? Could Mrs. Jones have reminded Hughes of his own grandmother? Use specific examples from the story as you think, critically, to explain your answer.
1. It is likely that by living in a community that was experiencing financial difficulties and having many friends who could not get what they wanted, Hughes met someone like Roger, who had to steal if he wanted to achieve his desires. However, it is likely that he met kind and charitable people like Mrs. Jones, too.
2. It may be that Hughes was inspired by someone from his own family to create Mrs. Jones. His grandmother may have been that inspiration, since the author saw her as an admirable and very kind woman to those in need.
