Week 3 Discussion

Other than a discussion about economic disparity, lack of equal opportunity, racial inequity, and other broad social issues I would probably write an essay about “The Lesson” by Toni Cade Bambara discussing and focusing on how the main character acts and thinks. From what the story provided it seems as though the main character does not have a mom or dad. Which makes me think that the main character probably had a hard life and in their life some things are out of their control , but with her friend group she is the one in charge and the one who makes the discussions. Like the times in your life when things aren’t going too great and you feel like you can’t do anything about it, but you still have something under your control and you clutch on to that, and when there are new changes you feel uncomfortable , lost and confused like how the main character was reacting to here friend speaking up and the main characters new thoughts while coming back from the school trip. I think I would title this essay “Out of my control “ or “ the fear of the unknown”

What I believe is ineffective about this student’s sentence is that it doesn’t give readers much information about the short story “Araby” by James Joyce to understand the statement made. I believe that a little bit more details describing the narrator would have been helpful to the sentence’s effectiveness. What this sentence is lacking is details; information to support the statement. The student mentions that “…the author encourages readers to examine the intricate character of the nameless narrator and the complexity of the human condition.” Upon what information is their statement made? That information should be included in their sentence to strengthen it. Here’s how I would rewrite it to offer specific details that would be informative to a reader: In the compelling short story “Araby” by James Joyce, the author encourages readers to examine the intricate character of the nameless narrator who’s only joy seem to come from fantasying of a young girl  from his neighborhood and getting her a gift  from the araby, and the  complexity of the human condition.

The sentence presented is ineffective because it la ls specifics . It doesn’t really grabs the readers attention and doesn’t really explain the topic of what was given . I would probably rewrite the sentence like this “Dive into the captivating world of James Joyce’s ‘Araby,’ where the nameless narrator’s profound complexities mirror the intricate layers of the human experience, beckoning readers to explore the depths of the soul.”

In the line provided above, I would say that it is ineffective because it is vague and does not provide any precise explanation for the complexity of the unnamed narrator’s character or how James Joyce’s in “Araby” showed the complexity of the human condition. From my perspective, It states more of an assumption without offering proof or instances to back it up.    If I were to rewrite it, this is how I would do it. In “Araby,” by James Joyce, a complex figure out of the anonymous narrator who exposes the delusions of youth is created. The narrator’s romanticized feelings for Mangan’s sister are very clear, and they stand in for teenage love ideals. But when his attempt to purchase a gift fails, his dreams are finally crushed, which starts showing the difference between dreams and realities at a young age. Joyce sheds light on the common experiences of youth, He shows us a clear way of letting us see the depressing maturity some have by describing how the narrator’s dreams are crushed upon meeting the harsh realities of adulthood. This emotional journey shows the greater human complexity involved in finding a way out of difficult situations.   

In my essay about “The Lesson” by Toni Cade Bambara I would write about the strong discrimination in the story, for example “Miss Moore was her name. The only women on the block with no first name. And she was black as hell, cept for her feet, which were fish-white and spooky” (Bambara). The way the kids describe her negatively by using strong words like hell to describe the color of her skin is shocking. Also, in the beginning of the story the kids made fun of her appearance for being different in town for having nappy hair, proper speech, and walks around with no makeup and then they compared her to a homeless man near the area which they call “the junk man”. The title I will give my essay is “Ignorance of Skin Color”, I will name my essay this because the children in the story don’t really know how successful Miss Moore is, she has a degree and speaks properly but just because of her skin color they see her negatively.

If I were to write an essay that would be less focused on the social-economical problems in the story “The Lesson” and more about the actual story itself, I would focus more on the symbolism that is shown in the story, more notably the toy store. The main reason that I would focus on the toy store is due to the fact that it was a perfect representation of the separation between those that are more fortunate to have, and those who don’t. It wasn’t all about just the money that someone had and how it represented the difference between rich and poor, but more so the different level of opportunities that someone with more money has over someone with less. The toy store also helps the main character realize how much more experiences wealthy people with money have over those that are poor. This eventually helps her grow as a character as she realizes this.

The Lesson by Toni Cade Bambara could explore character development and narrative technique nuances. First-person narration provides an intimate glimpse into the protagonist’s personal growth and realization. Additionally, the essay could delve into symbolism within the story such as the sailboat in the toy store which might represent the distant and unattainable world of wealth and luxury for the characters

In an essay that delves into more, than just socio issues one could explore the dynamics of family relationships, personal growth and how the setting impacts character development in a story. A thought provoking approach might be to consider how both the physical and emotional environments characters navigate play a role in shaping their journeys, decisions and transformations. Themes such as self discovery the complexities of relationships and the subtle influences of settings on storytelling could be analyzed. A suitable title, for this type of essay could be “Exploring Deeper; Character Growth and Setting Influence in Narratives”. This title hints at an examination of characters evolution and the importance of their surroundings offering a take beyond just focusing on socio economic aspects.

In my essay, I would explore how the environment and circumstances surrounding children influence their growth and development. I would also delve into the challenges they face and the mistakes they make, emphasizing the struggles of life. I would also add insight into their thoughts and motivations, giving the reader a glimpse into the minds of the children. While I would add some casual details to ease the tone, I would also touch on the tragic aspects and maybe explore how childhood experiences shape the adults they become and how these adults pass on these lessons to their own children. Eventually, I would demonstrate how children strive through life’s challenges and never give up. The title of my essay would be “Journey Through Life’s Challenges: Lessons Learned,” which sums up the idea that children learn valuable lessons from challenging experiences that stay with them throughout their lives.

Toni Cade’s “The Lesson” covers many societal issues, emphasizes the need of education, and has many hidden meanings. But what first drew my attention was the writing style. The story is engaging to read because of its important elements and details. The story is told by the main character, Sylvia, in her own words, and it has an intriguing conversational flow. The story also has a great way of symbolism. For example, the way money is mentioned frequently, for instance, it hints to something far more important. “Toys and Tales” is the title I would give this tale. I chose this title because I think the most important lesson was learned in the toy store, when they observed how their lives differed from those of people who could afford them.

In Toni Cade Bambara’s “The Lesson,” there’s more to uncover than just the obvious socio-economic themes. Beyond the surface, symbols like the toy store Fao Schwarz highlight the contrast between childhood innocence and adult realities. Characters like Sylvia and Miss Moore add depth, showing the struggle between understanding injustice and resistance. The setting of Harlem itself becomes a character, embodying the community’s hopes and challenges. Through simple language and realistic dialogue, Bambara paints a vivid picture of life’s complexities. In essence, while economic disparity is important, the story offers insights into human relationships, aspirations, and the journey to understanding the world around us.

In “The Lesson” by Toni Cade it discusses a lady by the name of Ms.Moore that take the children in her neighborhood on a trip and teach them a “lesson” which was showing them the socioeconomic difference that they are not used to. Teaching them this lesson is very important because it causes the children to be aware of  how unequal money distribution is. Now prior to this lesson the children were not too fond of Ms.Moore. However, what I want to highlight is how the use of language and how it helps develop the story. The language and use of AAVE give the story a sense of familiarity and relatability to me because we can see how close minded the narrator was originally to her eventually grasping the lesson at hand. The narrator uses insults and explicit language to get her irritation across which helps the readers understand the narrators emotions and annoyance. The title I would give this essay is “AAVE and Economic Disparity”.

If I was writing an essay, I would write about the characters language, tone, and personality. I think these are interesting topics to write about because, it can help a reader connect with the story and characters. Sometimes people struggle when writing due to not being able to see themselves in the stories. This also may be why, sometimes, readers have a hard time writing about what they’ve read, because they have a hard time relating with the characters since their personalities might differ. Also, readers might struggle with the language that the author chooses to use for the characters in their stories because they might not be used to the type of language the author is using. The tone of a story is also important because if readers don’t understand the tone of a story then important details can be missed, overlooked, or misunderstood. This is why I would choose to write about the characters language, tone, and personality.

A Chat GTP-generated essay on “The Lesson” by Toni Cade Bambara would probably discuss economic disparity, lack of equal opportunity, racial inequity, and other broad social issues. If I were to write an essay about “The Lesson,” I would name it “The Unknown Path.” I would call it this because Miss Moore had taken them on that trip to the store to show them this world beyond the world they live in. This gave them options and things to think about for their sake. Our narrator doesn’t seem fond of Miss. Moore even though most do. In “The Lesson,” Miss Moore takes them to a place where it is challenging to watch, but not touch. I think this is perfect for students because upon getting there, they wanted everything. However, the prices changed their minds. Our narrator seems threatened that everything is out of reach. She missed the lesson, which was one day you could be buying whatever you want. “The Lesson” gives a powerful, “You can do whatever you put your mind to ” mentality.  

If I were to write an essay that focused less on the socio-economic issues in the story “The Lesson” by Toni Cade Bambara and more on important details and elements I would most likely write it on how she used symbolism throughout her essay and how it connects to the bigger themes. The symbolism with money which is recurring serves as a symbol of power And privilege, she also shows how the children interact with money. The toy store also symbolizes wealth which I feel highlighted a big contrast between her neighborhood and other neighborhoods that had more money. I believe that when a writer adds things like symbolism and metaphors it really adds depth and gives the readers something to think about rather than surface-level reading ultimately leaving readers more engaged in the story. The title of my essay would be something like “Priceless prices” or maybe “Money problems”

After devouring Toni Cade Bambara’s “The Lesson,” I am compelled to explore the intricate development of characters, specifically Sylvia and her changing perception of her societal status. As the narrative unfolds, we witness Sylvia, initially portrayed as a confident and audacious leader, struggle with the harsh realities of her financial predicament. It is through Miss Moore is careful mentoring and thought provoking inquiries that Sylvia’s eyes are opened to the stark contrast between her own economic standing and that of her peers, highlighted by her unease in a lavish toy store. Through Sylvia’s inner musings and interactions, we are captivated by the evolution of her understanding of the profound lesson being imparted. As this critical moment unfolds, Sylvia’s realization dawns upon her that her family’s financial burdens restrict their potential. Aptly titled “Character Analysis of Sylvia in ‘The Lesson” the thorough examination delves into Sylvia’s transformation towards enlightenment and empowerment emphasizing how her character becomes crucial to the story.

I might write something along the lines of how children are influenced by the world around them. My essay would emphasize the growth that the children go through. It would show trials and errors, and all of the trouble they go through in life. it would go into detail of the children’s thoughts and motives. The essay would have some cometic moments to lighten the mood a little but I think I would make it from an adult standpoint looking in so it probably would get a little bit dark in certain aspects of it. I would write how they grow up to be in the future and how past experiences shaped them in their adult life. Also I would try to show how they teach kids of their own about challenges one faces in life. The title that i would come up with is trials and tribulations.

The story “The Lesson” by Toni Bambara was a insightful read that required me to read between the lines to be able to grasp the lesson that was being taught. Miss Moore an educated women who carries herself different from most people in the communities. Takes eight kids on a field trip to a expensive toy store to show the difference in social class. To help the kids understand the wealth gap between african americans and white people. “Where we are is who we are, Miss Moore always pointin out. But it don’t necessarily have to be that way, she always adds then waits for somebody to say that poor people have to wake up and demand their share of the pie and don’t none of us know what kind of pie she talking about in the first damn place”. Miss Moore is expressing how where your from does not define who you are or what you’ll become. The opportunitiy to change your circumstances  is something you have to be willing to take. After reading this story, I would name my essay “Escaping poverty and its mindset”.

If I had to write a story about this I will title the essay “harsh reality”. Like the side character Sylvia was shocked like how a person can spend a thousand of dollars on just toys as she belonged to poor family and cannot afford that toy. Even though when she asked Miss Moore that how much a real boat cost she just ignored her question and told her to look that and join back the group.Sylvia find miss moore behavior rude and was hurt. Moreover, also belong to same race from where the sylvia belongs.Miss Moore want that children should know the importance of education and how it is important for everyone like everyone cannot afford it.These are my points like why i give the title harsg reality because this is the reality of the world everyone cannot afford education, in this person is treated how much they earn and the standard of living. 1

Hello professor, So if I had to write a story that is less about socio-economic issues I would title it “Nothing on me” and it would reflect on the being proud of where you come from and who you can be aspect of the story. I would choose this title and theme because in the way the narrator tells the story, it is spoken from a very proud and strong minded stand point that I admire. I am sure many people can relate to this so that is another good reason why I would choose this topic. I find it draws your audience in more if you make your story relatable. I would keep the urban vibe to my story as well. I’d like to keep this dialect because it adds texture and realism to the text; so you can understand the characters and the setting. The whole point for me choosing to write about this specific topic is because it has so many interesting and important details you can include which will make for an informative story.

Something that I’ve found very interesting in the “The Lesson” by Toni Cade Bambara is he narrator’s attitude through the whole story. She’s very proud and loud, and what I mean by that is she speaks her mind no matter what. If I were to write an essay off of this story I’d title it “Coming of Age” because I feel like the whole premise of what was happening in the story was Miss Moore teaching the young kids about the reality they lived in and what their circumstances really entailed. You see that some the kids like Sylvia and her friend Sugar were sort of grasping what Miss Moore wanted to teach them. The essay would explore the ignorance and naïveté of the kids to them learning through Miss Moore what life really is like and them gradually gaining understanding and growth. An analysis of our life compared to Sylvia and the other kids could helps us also realize when was our Coming of Age” moment in our lives; When did childlike view of the world disappeared and replaced with an actual view of how things really are in the world.

I would title this story “The Harsh Realities of Life”.  Miss Moore was teaching life lessons to these kids in the neighborhood.  They all come from different backgrounds, and they all live in Harlem.  Silivia being the leader of the friend group, she seemed confident in her surroundings before Miss Moore started showing them different things in life. She taught them about money. What money can buy.  She took them on trips to different places other than Harlem where they lived.  When they realized how other people live, well Silivia felt ashamed when she couldn’t afford what she wanted to buy.  She has always been really tough and sarcastic, but now she wasn’t the leader. She always wanted to do what she wanted to do, and nobody was going to tell her any different.  Maybe her home life wasn’t the best, and that’s the way she dealt with it.  Miss Moore was trying to show them the situation they were living in, and that you don’t have to stay in that situation if you get your education and work really hard the sky is the limit.

Instead of going for a lofty, vague sense of a meaningful topic like ChatGPT would, I’d actually be more disposed towards analyzing the “side characters” of this short story as a collective. It’d be fun to think about why they react how they do to the plot’s events, or glean info about what their lives might be like from what we see of them. Tentatively, I’d call this theoretical paper “The Young and Foolish of ‘The Lesson'”, in a reference to that very first line of the text. Through Sylvia’s viewpoint, observant as she is, readers get a great deal of insight into these children already. From Little Q.T. who is often targeted for ribbing because his smallness keeps him from fighting back, but is “liable to come up behind you years later and get his licks in when you half expect it”; to “Fat Butt,” usually called “Big Butt” everywhere but here, as if to further emphasize the disparagement that he’s probably confronted with all the time, “already wasting his peanut-butter-and-jelly sandwich like the pig he is”; to Flyboy who’ll take pity over bullying and is even deemed effeminate by our narrator for reasons that may be related; we have a whole crew’s worth of young boys, all facing mildly less principled forms of social pressure. A whole day could be made out of cataloging individual descriptions and interactions between those characters!

I would name the story “The Real World” and how Miss Moore feels that she has to educate the kids  as it will be useful to them and don’t have to live the way they do anymore if they pursue to continue their education the way she did. It will also focus about how Sylvia’s view of the world changed as the story goes. The story focuses more about Sylvia’s point of view while Miss Moore wants the best for her students. Sylvia’s view of the world changes when she finds out that the real world is actually hard. Miss Moore is teaching them the importance it is to have a education since they can move forward in life the way she did. Living in a poor neighborhood doesn’t mean it always has to be like that as long as you have your education, you can keep moving forward in life.

After reading “The Lesson” by Toni Cade Bambara, I would write more about details in character development regarding Sylvia and how she came to be more aware of her socio-economic situation with little conversation. Sylvia was the leader of her group, smarter than the rest, and was afraid to go into the store but at first was unaware why. She was able to realize that she did not have the types of funds to pay for expensive toys. The price of those toys was the price to feed her entire family. She did not ask her mother about the money, but was knew exactly what she would say, showing that she understood that her family could not afford those kinds of luxuries. Miss Moore knew this about Sylvia, and by directing her questions at her, she showed the reader that she wanted Sylvia to realize the true lesson she was trying to teach the group without speaking further on it. From there, she was able to piece her future together and decide that she would not feel that way again when she grew up. The title that I would give this essay is “Character Analysis of Sylvia in ‘The Lesson’”.

I will tittle the story as “Unfair Life” . Ms. Moore is portrayed as someone who possesses a profound understanding of the contrasting realities between the “poor black neighborhood” and the affluent life of Manhattan. She recognizes that education is the key to transcending these disparities. Having pursued higher education herself, she feels compelled to extend a helping hand to others from her community, regardless of their standing in society. The story vividly illustrates the disparities between economic classes, showcasing how even the smallest luxuries for the wealthy could mean survival for those less fortunate. Yet, it emphasizes that such assistance is seldom given freely. Instead, the narrative underscores the transformative power of education as the primary means of breaking the cycle of poverty and injustice.

  I think that for this easy I would focus my thesis on analyzing the variation of characters that we have in the story. I would start with Silvia which I think we can agree could be one of the main characters of the story. I would focus my opinion on the fact that she may be a good girl that is trying to not be seen as someone vulnerable. I think that her personality is a product of that behavior too. I think that I will also write about Miss. Moore because she is very important in the story too. I think that my title for this essay could be “A reality shock Story.” This could (not that is going to be my actual title) be my title for this essay. I think that can help me to explain some of what happened in this story. Maybe later I’ll come up with something better but for now, I think that could work as a title for this essay. 

“Salvation” by Langston Hughes depicts a little fellow’s battle with confidence and similarity during a congregation recovery. Hughes describes his experience of going to the occasion with the assumption for experiencing Jesus and being saved. In spite of the intense environment and the tension from his family and local area, he doesn’t encounter the groundbreaking second he had expected. Feeling segregated and frantic to fit in, Hughes at last creates his salvation, troubled by the heaviness of his double dealing and the deficiency of his confidence. The paper mirrors Hughes’ impactful investigation of blamelessness, realness, and the intricacies of strict experience, especially inside the African American people group. Through his own account, Hughes reveals insight into the difficulties of exploring confidence, cultural assumptions, and individual personality despite social and strict tensions.