“Knowledge is Power” is what I would title the essay to my interpretation of the short story “The Lesson” by Toni Bombara. In the short story, we learn about Sylvia and her block friend’s trip with Ms. Moore and how one rip in their reality can cause them to believe there is more to them than where they come from. Sylvia is first presented in the story as someone who knows exactly who she is and has a good understanding of how the adults around her move, so there’s nothing that surprises her as she is a brilliant and observant young girl and won’t change for anybody, not even Ms. Moore. That is until she is given this new perspective in life, how the World around her is a lot more unforgiving than it seems, and how she has been dealt a poor hand for no other reason than losing the lottery in life to gain better opportunities. From there on she is angry with her new reality and how her small world has been ripped from her hands by Ms Moore but, it is not for nothing. It wasn’t just some painful experience Ms Moore wanted to inflict on these children but rather drive them to reach for more than their surroundings. I’m glad I see this in the final sentence where Sylvia announces how “ain’t nobody gonna beat” (Bombara) her at anything, the lesson that Sylvia was trying so hard not to embody and detest ironically, ignites a fire in her.
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3 thoughts on “Liliana Cisneros- Discussion 3”
Liliana, your interpretation of the short story is insightful and well-written. You effectively capture the transformation of Sylvia’s perspective throughout the story and highlight the impact of Ms. Moore’s lesson on the characters. Your analysis of Sylvia’s initial resistance and eventual realization of the lesson’s significance is particularly well-articulated. Your focus on empowerment and the revelation of Sylvia’s determination in the final sentence effectively shows the story’s central message. Overall, your essay effectively conveys the theme of knowledge as power and its transformative effect on Sylvia. Great job!
Hey Liliana ! I absolutely loved your post and the title that you would give your essay. Your insight on the short story is exactly what I’ve got from the reading. Especially how you stated that the change in their environment made them see their reality from a different perspective, as well as wanting the kids to see that they are capable of way more than remaining stagnant in the “Hood” Nevertheless, I also appreciated how you even quoted a piece from the short story within your posting to break down the irony of Sylvia’s comment to herself. Even though she’s “upset” she still appreciated the day with Ms Moore because now she has a visual of what her life could be if she pushes herself. Well Done !!
Liliana, I’ve always felt that the interaction between the two strong personalities of Miss Moore and Sylvia is one of the most interesting elements in the story. As you note, there is so much paradox in Sylvia’s feelings towards this women, who is breaking into her bubble. She hates her, and yet, she will probably emulate her and become someone equally, or more, outstanding.