“The Lesson” by Toni Cade Bambara, the title does an excellent job explaining what the material is about. If I were to write an essay on the subject I would title it “My Glass Balloon”, the theme of “The Lesson” reminds me of a loss of innocence or a shattering of reality. The story has an unappreciated guardian who takes it upon herself to enlighten the children of her neighborhood. To the guardian, at least one child must understand their situation to break the generational cycle. The child who grasps their situation’s reality is now stripped of their rose-colored glasses. While this will change the child forever possibly creating a resentful mindset, if the child can process this and seek guidance there is no doubt that they will grow out of their environment. It will be a challenge relating to friends who do not realize their situation or resentment to their family for putting them in the situation in the first place. This can be quite isolating, it takes a strong personality to use this to make a positive outcome.
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4 thoughts on “Nada (Nan) Abushami Discussion 3”
Hello Nan, it looks like your view and mines are similarly related. You carefully formulated the title about the relationship of the theme you picked, and the creativity of the title you chose. When we were in Monday class this week about a short story “The Lesson”, the minute Prof. Conway read the first few sentences guided me a couple of likely possibilities out of the general narrative of the story. To me, I awfully regretted, and still am to this day, about how the author reflects upon the protagonist’s life as Sylvia lived in damnation beyond relief. Unlike Ms. Moore, her parents weren’t well educated, and neither were her friends. Based on her description in her hometown as a ‘ghetto’, I can imagine that much of the ability to read and write were underdeveloped back when the society had little order and back when education systems among races were divided.
Nan, I love your title! I also think this breaking of the glass balloon is what makes Sylvia so angry at Miss Moore. I’m struck also by your observation that it takes a strong personality to take this anger and shock and do something positive with it, as Sylvia seems inclined to do.
Hello Nan, I love your interpretation of “The Lesson”. I never thought to see Miss Moore as a guardian, but in hindsight, that’s exactly what she is to the children. I also like your take on adapting a different mindset to break the generational cycle. It’s very easy to stay in our ways and environment, even when it is no longer benefiting us. I agree that if she were to take on a different mindset and approach, it would be difficult and isolating but well worth it.
Your analysis of The Lesson is clear and thoughtful. I like how you connect the title to the theme of “loss of innocence” and reality being shattered. Your proposed essay title,” My Glass Balloon”, perfectly capture this idea. You highlight the guardian’s role in trying to break the cycle, and the challenges a child faces when they realize the truth. I also appreciate your point about how this awakening can be isolating, but ultimately lead to growth and change