Jones taught the boy a valuable lesson by welcoming him and cuddling him. But, by using the methods of deconstruction and digging deep into the true theme of the story, you will find a recessive theme, secondary to the obvious. In "Thank You, Ma'am", the apparent theme is not as it seems, and the true meaning is shown: no matter how complicated life is, there is not always someone to depend on. Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones may have seemed like a strong role model for the boy, but she actually set a bad example for the boy by convincing him, not consciously, but subconsciously, that it is admirable to steal and beg. things you don't have and don't want. Both themes could teach a very important lesson, and in the end it is a fight between two old enemies, the good and the good