Mohon Miah “Discussion 3”

An interesting part of The Lesson is Sylvia’s language and how she tells the story. Her sharp, witty, and sometimes defiant tone helps the reader understand the themes of awareness, resistance, and growth. Sylvia comes across as bold and opinionated. She doesn’t trust Miss Moore and sees her as someone who thinks she’s “better’n the rest of us” because she is educated and speaks differently.

Sylvia’s defiant attitude is a big part of her voice. She doesn’t like being told what to do or taught lessons, which makes her an interesting and complex character. When Miss Moore takes the children on a trip, Sylvia refuses to accept the lesson being taught: “And I’m really hating this nappy-head bitch and her goddamn college degree.” This unfiltered thought shows her resistance and frustration at feeling judged or out of place.

Bambara writes in a way that feels real, using slang, contractions, and informal speech to make Sylvia’s voice sound natural, as if she’s speaking directly to the reader.

Because of Sylvia’s strong voice and attitude, I would title this essay “Words with Attitude: How Sylvia’s Voice Shapes The Lesson.”

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