LITERARY ANALYSIS Langston Hughes was an American poet, novelist, playwright, short story writer and columnist, most known for his work during the Harlem Renaissance, when Afro-Americans were challenging white paternalism and racism. He was one of the first black writers in the USA to achieve literary recognition. This short story is about an old lady walking alone in the dark, when suddenly a boy tries to snatch her purse. However, during the attempt he loses his balance and falls down on the pavement, and the lady who of course is annoyed by the boys behavior, picks him up and gives him a proper lesson. She decides to bring him home to her house so he can wash his face and have a nice meal, before she hands him some money to buy the blue suede shoes he has wanted for such a long time. The story is told by a third person, a person who describes all the things that are happening, and all the things the persons are saying. No one’s thoughts are declared, so this may affect how we perceive the theme of the story, because we have to think with our selves what each of the persons are thinking and feeling. I would say the story takes place this was written around the 1930's where racism were a huge topic in the southern state. Back in that era many African Americans had problem looking for a job or getting job. The time when poverty was needed, and the rubbish society where the black had to fight for their freedom.