In The Lesson by Toni Cade Bambara, Miss Moore, a well-educated woman, takes a group of children from a poor neighborhood to a fancy toy store, intending to teach them about marginalized realities. The children, initially unaware of the value of these expensive items, begin to understand how out of reach such luxuries are for them. Their once-limited understanding allows them to conceptualize the undeniable causalities of economic disadvantage having a direct effect on their existence. There is dramatic irony displayed in both Miss Moore’s actions—her knowing what the kids don’t know and aiming to spark thought-provoking enlightenment—and the narrator’s (Sylvia) reflection, where her narrowed perspective ultimately leads to further interpretation. For example, Sylvia mentions, “Who are these people that spend that much for performing clowns and $1000 for toy sailboats? What kind of work do they do, and how do they live, and how come we ain’t in on it?” This quote emphasizes Sylvia’s growing understanding that there are people in society who live vastly different lives from hers and the other children in her neighborhood. The idea that some people have access to wealth and luxury, while others do not, becomes a point of reflection for Sylvia. At the start, the children are unaware of the larger world beyond their own experience. But through Miss Moore’s lessons, they begin to realize that there are many things they don’t know. The story highlights how experiences can challenge and change a person’s internal reality, helping them grow and see the world in a new way. If I had the chance to retitle the story, I would change it to “The Wonderful Memoir of the Unheard Voices” to reflect the intersectional challenges and unspoken truths revealed by Miss Moore’s lesson.
Daily Archives: February 15, 2025
The obvious lesson in the story “The lesson” by Toni Bambara is social inequalities but if you dig a little deeper you will see the character Sylvia undergo a mental transformation . In the start Sylvia is naive and unaware of anything outside of her immediate circumstances or surroundings . Not only does she lack self awareness but she is dismissive of her mentor Mrs Moore . During the trip she takes to FAO Shwartz accompanied by her peers and mentor she begins to realize the difference between her daily life and luxuries from those who can actually afford the items at this store . This shift in Sylvia’s perspective not only upsets her but you can see how this one event will shape her identity in the future . Another lesson I received by reading this story is with Mrs Moore , who refuses to become discouraged by the students lack of interest and instead pushes on through the story despite the resistance shown , ultimately getting her students to grasp the reality of their identities and circumstances. The lesson I took from Mrs Moore is resilience in the face of indifference .
