What is the setting of "Thank You, M'am" by Langston Hughes?

"Thank You M'am" by Langston Hughes is a heart-warming
story, sending a message that it is wrong to judge people purely on their actions. Mrs.
Luella Bates Washington Jones is revealed to be a proud woman but one with no illusions
about her circumstances or her responsibilities. 

The
setting in any literary work creates an atmosphere and a tone and therefore, to be sure
that readers understand the subtleties of the text, the setting creates the context
within which to understand and interpret it. In this short story, the reader begins to
get an idea of the setting right from the beginning.

It is
a tough neighborhood as evident from the manner in which
Ms. Jones is able to respond immediately to the boy's attempts to steal her purse and
the fact that she is not at all surprised. She "simply turned around and kicked him
right square..." It is 11 o'clock at night, also important
to note when discussing the setting. Upon reaching Ms. Jones's home, the physical
setting in which she lives indicates her living conditions. She lives in a house shared
by several people, "roomers," revealing her modest
accommodations and Hughes ensures that the reader appreciates the
sacrifice she is making by sharing her space, her food, her "ten-cent cake" and
ultimately her money with Roger. 

There is a cultural
element to the setting of this story as Ms. Jones understands Roger's predicament,
admitting that "I have done things, too, which I would not tell you, son..." She is
aware that his appearance suggests that he probably hasn't eaten or received the
attention a young boy needs to avoid delinquency and responds to that. Despite the
circumstances of their meeting, she makes sure not to ask too many questions, not
wanting to "embarrass him." She is humble and aware that she may or may not make a
difference to Roger. She can only hope that he behaves himself.