Discussion 4 – Mike Calle

“The Lesson” is a very interesting story by Toni Cade Bambara. In this story, there are two people named Mercedes and Sylvia and they both visited the “FAO Schwarz Toy Store”, they both had different experiences. When they first arrived, Sylvia realized the area they are in is dressed in expensive clothing. It made her upset and annoyed by it, and I think it’s because she came from a family that wasn’t very wealthy. Throughout the whole time, Sylvia was thinking how the money people are using to buy these expensive toys could be used for her family with rent, and more important things. On the other hand, Mercedes came from a wealthy family and was surprised by all the expensive toys and how the world is sort of different in the expensive toy store. She was sort of motivated and wanted to go back to the store with her own money to purchase. Mercedes had a complete opposite “impulsive” reaction that Sylvia had to the toy store. Mercedes was not bothered by the store, while Sylvia on the other hand was completely bothered and made it clear she did not like the place.