Andreany Estevez – Discussion 3

I think most of all after reading The Lesson by Toni Cade Bambara is Sylvia’s resistance to accept change. She is smart and observant, but layers her discomfort under sarcasm and judgment. Instead of openly confronting the discrepancies Miss Moore points out, she directs her frustration toward Miss Moore and everyone around her. This is defensive; it helps her feel she has a level of control, even as she begins to wonder about her world.

Her secret rivalry with Sugar brings this to the fore; when Sugar raises her hand, Sylvia feels challenged and suddenly is made aware that her grip is not as steady as she has always believed. Miss Moore’s method of teaching requires her to think for herself, and while she won’t admit it, days even weeks later, the lesson still lingers. Sylvia hates wealth but won’t let go of the money she won from Miss Moore, which suggests a tension between her hostility and awareness. I would title my essay “Sylvia’s Defense”.

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