In an essay about “The Lesson”, by Toni Cade Bambara, regarding a different issue rather than the socio-economic issues and more about other interesting/important details or elements in the story I would write about how it emphasizes class distinction and identity through language. Sylvia’s rebellious, streetwise behavior and her contempt for authority are reflected in her casual, bold speech. Calling Miss Moore a “nappy-head bitch with a goddamn college degree” is an example of how she resists formal education and society norms through the use of slang. Because of her working-class background, Sylvia’s vocabulary reflects her pride in her neighborhood as well as her rejection of anything that goes against her worldview.
On the other hand, Miss Moore stands out as an outsider due to her formal, educated vocabulary, which symbolizes her middle-class background. Despite having the same racial background, the different speaking styles emphasize their different social classes. Miss Moore’s lessons on injustice are alienating and transformative because of her proper English, which places her in a world of privileges and opportunities that the children, like Sylvia, cannot access.
A title I would give to the story is “The Cost of Reality”.
4 thoughts on “Elad Tisch – Discussion 3”
I also found it interesting how Sylvia held Miss Moore’s education against her, and thought/spoke very ill of her because of it. Your highlight about them being the same race but sounding entirely different really ties into the idea that Sylvia rejects anything different. Having the same background wasn’t enough for Sylvia, and just the way Miss Moore carried herself was enough to dislike her. It makes you wonder if Sylvia disliked her solely because she was different, or if she may have been envious of Miss Moore’s success.
Great job with your discussion Elad ! I personally feel like both Sylvia and Ms. Moore had their reasons for the way they carried themselves. Sylvia’s upbringing has forced her to shield herself, which can sometimes come off as ‘rude’ or ‘disrespectful’ whilst Ms. Moore whom has not experienced as much hardship as Sylvia has a more optimistic outlook and approach. I can see why the both clashed and had such opposing views on one another.
Elad, I think you’re the first one to focus on the language used in the story. I think that would make a great essay. The African American vernacular lends authenticity to the story while also showing much about the characters’ worlds. Miss Moore’s language provides a strong contrast. I also think there is a lot of humor in the way Sylvia talks and makes observations about the world around her. Great topic.
At the beginning of the story, Sylvia didn’t know the different classes between her and Miss Moore. Sylvia think that Miss Moore is just a person who has a college degree and likes to teach them lessons. Miss Moore talk about wealth inequality, and they are very poor and live in slums. Sylvis disagree with Miss Moore for saying they are living in slums. Later they went to a store, one of Sylvia’s cousins was very excited, and then they saw that the things in the store were very expensive. Sylvia and her cousins can’t believe people will spend that much. Later, they all walk into the store. Miss Moore can walk into this store without any pressure. Sylvia and her cousins are all walkin on tiptoe because everything in the store is so expensive to them. At the end, Sylvia feels the difference between the poor and rich.