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.
3 thoughts on “Discussion board #3”
Nicole, please read the directions for how to post. You bumped me out of place again.
Nicole, you have misinterpreted the prompt. You were not asked to recap or analyze the story or give it a new title. Please be sure to read the prompts for each week very carefully.
Hello Nicole,
After reading your Discussion post, I see ideas on how I can write even better. You have inspired me with the way you write. Your writing has all the elements which I would also want to include in my story however I feel your post is much better articulated and as it gives great examples. I also really like how said it would “relfect the intersectional challenges and unspoken truths revealed”, by Miss Moore’s lesson” (Nicole) Your right, the children did learn the differences happening in the world around them by seeing the cost of items in the store such as the bunk beds and the $39 for the clown. It was a eye opening experience for them. Thank you for sharing!