1. Mrs. Jones gave Roger a place to clean his face, a bite to eat, and $10 to buy a pair of blue suede shoes. Nonetheless, what was the most important gift she gave Roger? Use specific examples from the story such as how Roger interacted with Mrs. Jones as the plot progressed, how his motivations changed from the beginning of the story to the end, and what lesson he learned from Mrs. Jones as they interacted at her home. Explain in a short paragraph the gift Roger received that you consider to be the most important.

2. Langston Hughes grew up poor and black during the time of segregation. He and his friends and neighbors longed for material items 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.