Both Roger and Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones are African Americans, who share similar backgrounds and come from poor homes. Through Roger's comments, one can surmise that he comes from a broken, poverty-stricken home, where he is forced to provide and take care of himself, which explains why he is dirty, hungry, and desperate for money. After Mrs. Jones drags Roger back to her home and makes him a warm plate of food, she explains to Roger that she understands what it feels like to want something that she cannot afford. Mrs. Jones then admits that she too made poor decisions in her youth and committed crimes that she is not proud of, which is another similarity that she shares with Roger. However, she does make it a point to say that she never snatch anybody's pocketbook before. Mrs. Jones's shared race and socioeconomic background allow her to sympathize and bond with Roger, who respects and appreciates her kindness and benevolence.
In order to survive Auschwitz, prisoners did everything possible to survive, and this included celebrating holidays. A reminder to what they had survived in the past gives them hope in the face of adversity and pain.
