Aryanna Figueroa Discussion 3

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 .