“Thank you ma'am”, by Langston Hughes, is a story that communicates an effective message. Throughout the tale, there are many elements of the author's craft that Hughes uses to convey the message. To begin, Hughes uses economical diction, to keep the story simple. Instead of using long-winded and extraneous diction, Hughes writes in a very simple and direct manner. For example, the text states: “She was a large woman with a large bag that contained everything except a hammer and nails. It had a long strap and she wore it over her shoulder” (Hughes 1). As you can see, the author clearly tries to make the scene short. The author did not provide further explanations about the characteristics of the women. It only informed the reader about a single feature. The bag had no features other than the fact that it could be slung over one shoulder. The woman's bag was not given any texture, feel or other characteristics. By making the story simple, economical diction keeps the reader focused. When an author explains too much about an insignificant topic in the story, many readers will become bored because the story doesn't move at the right pace for them. Furthermore, the author uses economical diction closer to the end of the story: “After he had wiped his face and not knowing what else to do wiped it again, the boy turned away, wondering what would happen next. The door was open. He could bolt down the hall” (Hughes 2). This economical diction towards the end of the story, making the events simpler, makes the story end in a very intriguing way. By not over-elaborating towards the end, Hughes gets his message across more clearly. The use...... middle of paper ......in my wallet nor in anyone else's, because the shoes that come in that devilish way will burn your feet,'” (Hughes 3) It was clear to Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones that the boy was poor and could not afford many of the clothes he wanted most such a great idea to wash your face. Don't you have anyone at home telling you to wash your face?'” (Hughes 1) It can be deduced from this excerpt that the boy is poor. she is urged to help him because the boy is less fortunate. Hughes effectively conveys a message throughout the story. Its message is conveyed adequately through the use of economical diction, figurative language, and a clear theme. Hughes' author style will surely make any reader intrigued and wiser with his significant lesson to learn..