When I read “The Lesson” by Toni Cade Bambara, I focused less on the socio-economic issues and more on Sylvia’s personality and how it develops throughout the story. What stood out most to me was Sylvia’s stubbornness and her resistance to change. You can tell by reading that Sylvia is intelligent and observant but she uses forms of sarcasm and judgment to shield herself from confronting the truths presented to her by Miss Moore. Even though she acts uninterested in Miss Moore, her thoughts show she’s paying attention and starting to question the world around her. I’d also look into the relationship between Sylvia and Sugar. They’re friends, but there’s competition as well, particularly toward the end when Sugar breaks in and surprises Sylvia. It’s almost a wake-up call for Sylvia that she’s not as in control as she’d like to be. The character of Miss Moore is intriguing as well. She’s an outsider, not only to society but also in how she’s going about teaching. Her method of getting the children to think for themselves resonates with Sylvia greatly, even though she will not acknowledge this. I’d title my essay “Sylvia Unfiltered.”
Powered by:
top
3 thoughts on “Mohammed Week #3”
Mohammed, I like your title “Sylvia Unfiltered.” You touch on some very specific and subtle parts of Sylvia’s character, especially how she refuses to acknowledge Miss Moore’s rightness. The relationship with Sugar also shows how Sylvia changes, while Sugar does not. Sylvia needs to go off on her own to think about what she has realized. It’s at the very end, when Sylvia is by herself that she resolves not to let anyone beat her “at nuthin.”
Mohammed, I really like your take on Sylvia’s personality! I also noticed how she uses sarcasm and judgment to protect herself, which makes her feel like a real and complex character. Even though she tries to resist Miss Moore’s lesson, you can tell the trip to FAO Schwarz still affects her. Your title, “Sylvia Unfiltered,” is a great choice because it perfectly describes her honest and unfiltered thoughts. Great job!
I like your focus on Sylvia’s character and how it develops. It’s clear that she’s smart but uses sarcasm to protect herself from facing difficult truths. The way you point out her competition with Sugar adds an interesting layer to her character, especially when Sugar surprises her. I agree that Miss Moore’s teaching method is effective, even if Sylvia won’t admit it. “Sylvia Unfiltered” is a great title because it shows how Sylvia’s true thoughts and feelings start to emerge.