Genre
Short story; realistic fiction.
Setting and Context
The story is set during one evening in an unnamed American city, likely the neighborhood of Harlem in New York City. It is likely set during the early to middle 20th century.
Narrator and Point of View
The story is narrated by an unnamed third-person limited-omniscient narrator. The point of view stays with Roger.
Tone and Mood
The tone is comical; the mood is anxious and contemplative.
Protagonist and Antagonist
Roger is the protagonist; the antagonist is Mrs. Jones.
Major Conflict
The major conflict in the story is that Roger is too poor to buy himself a pair of blue suede shoes and so attempts to steal Mrs. Jones' purse. He fails, and is unsure whether to trust that Mrs. Jones will not take him to the police.
Climax
The story reaches its climax when Mrs. Jones reveals she is used to be in a similar situation as Roger. Taking pity, she feeds him and gives him the ten dollars he wants for shoes.
