After reading “The Lesson” by Toni Cade Bambara, I am left with a strong idea of Sylvia’s personality and her perspective of the world around her. She is bitter about her circumstances, and points a lot of that bitterness at Miss Moore for forcing her to take off her blinders and recognize the injustices that are forced upon her. These feelings about her reality then actualize as harsh judgements for the people, places, and things around her. I personally believe that Sylvia places these judgements so that she can feel better about herself and her situation amidst her anger and disdain. If I were writing an essay on this concept, I would name it “A Slighted Sylvia”. At the end of the day, Sylvia’s expressed interest lies in what she personally has gained from the excursion, which is Miss Moore’s money. The coincidence here is that there is a judgement and jealousy of people with money, but for her, getting this money overshadows any outward commentary on the lesson that she learned from Miss Moore and their day at F.A.O Schwartz.
5 thoughts on “Daryen Rubin Discussion 3”
Daryen, I appreciate the specific references to the text in your analysis of Sylvia’s character. You make some insightful observations about how the character’s bitterness and disdain are defenses that stem from her own feelings of shame and inferiority. I don’t view the ending as you do, however. I think Sylvia is the only one who has truly internalized “the lesson.” Her anger at the end suggests a determination that is going to find a way to change her life. She is angry at learning the truth Miss Moore has forced upon her. And Thank you for posting the photo of F.A.O Schwarz! That’s great!
Thank you for your response! I agree with you about the ending, that she absolutely does digest and understand the lesson. I was saying that she made “outward” commentary or “expressed” interest about they money. When she is with her friend at the end she doesn’t mention “the lesson”, although it’s on her mind. Instead, she talks about what the money could be used for!
Hi Daryen,
I really enjoyed reading your insights on Sylvia’s character in “The Lesson.” You captured her complex emotions and reactions to Miss Moore’s teachings very well. I agree that Sylvia’s bitterness and judgments seem to be a way for her to cope with the harsh realities she faces. It’s interesting how you pointed out her focus on personal gain, which highlights the irony in her disdain for wealth yet desire for it. I feel like you really understood the article. Thank you for sharing your thought👌
Hello Daryen, I absolutely love your description of Sylvia when you say, “Sylvia places these judgements so that she can feel better about herself.” This once again shows that Sylvia is just a kid and that’s how she copes with her feelings. Furthermore, you mention “anger and disdain” keeps reminding us that we all are humans, and all felt that way at some point in our lives. Your discussion made me look at the Sylvia at different angle. This might be due to fact that I try to see mostly good in people and you did not hesitate to call it what it is.
Hi Daryen, I liked your characterization of Sylvia, particularly when you said, “Sylvia makes these judgments so that she can feel better about herself.” It really illustrates how she deals with her emotions and reminds us that she’s only a child trying to deal with bad ones. I appreciated also what you wrote about “anger and disdain” being quintessentially human—one that we all find ourselves reacting to at some time or other. Your analysis allowed me to see Sylvia in a different way, as more profoundly and richly complicated.