Though Roger's parents are absent on the day he attempts to snatch Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones's purse, it is evident that they have tried to instill manners in their son. When Mrs. Jones asks him questions, he answers them "Yes'm" and "No'm" (as a diminutive of ma'am) as a sign of respect for an older woman. Once they have established some trust, he asks her if she needs him to go to the store...
Though Roger's parents are absent on the day he attempts to snatch Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones's purse, it is evident that they have tried to instill manners in their son. When Mrs. Jones asks him questions, he answers them "Yes'm" and "No'm" (as a diminutive of ma'am) as a sign of respect for an older woman. Once they have established some trust, he asks her if she needs him to go to the store for her. He does not want her to mistrust him, and he seems sincere.
Roger's response to Mrs. Jones's insistence that he wash his face and eat some dinner is to comply. He tells her that "there’s nobody home at my house." Readers can infer that his parents are probably working and that he is on his own.
After Mrs. Jones has given him ten dollars to buy the shoes that he wants, he thanks her. His gratitude for her kindness is further evidence that though Roger's family is likely financially disadvantaged, they have raised him to behave civilly. They would likely be ashamed of his youthful mistake in trying to take Mrs. Jones's pocketbook.
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