Omar Aly Discussion 4

In “The Lesson” by Toni Cade Bambara, Sylvia and Miss Moore have distinct responses to visiting the FAO Schwarz toy store. Sylvia is a streetwise and cynical girl from the ghetto who is initially unimpressed by the lavish store. She dismisses the toys as overpriced and unnecessary and resents Miss Moore for bringing her and her friends to the store. Sylvia is resistant to the lesson on social inequality that Miss Moore is trying to teach and feels that it is patronizing and unfair. Throughout the story, Sylvia’s defiance and skepticism towards Miss Moore’s lesson intensify. Miss Moore is a socially conscious and empathetic adult who recognizes the stark contrast between the luxury of the toy store and the poverty of the children’s home environment. She sees the visit as an opportunity to expose the children to a different world and to open their eyes to the injustices of society. Miss Moore hopes that the experience will encourage the children to think critically about the distribution of wealth and resources. She tries to impart this perspective to the children, but her efforts are met with resistance from Sylvia. Overall, Sylvia and Miss Moore have different responses to the visit to the toy store. While Sylvia is dismissive and resistant, Miss Moore is empathetic and socially conscious, hoping to use the experience as a teaching tool for the children.