A Chat GTP-generated essay on “The Lesson” by Toni Cade Bambara would probably discuss economic disparity, lack of equal opportunity, racial inequity, and other broad social issues. What might you write about in an essay that is less about socio-economic issues and more about other interesting/important details or elements in the story? What title would you give this essay? To submit your Week 3 post, follow the steps below. 1. Scroll up to the black strip at the top of the screen and click the black “plus” sign inside the white circle. It is located to the right of the course title. 2. In the box that reads “Add title,” type in a title that includes your first name, last name, and the words “Discussion 4” (example: John Hart Discussion 3). 3. Type your response in the text box. Remember that your first post must be at least 150 words in order to receive full credit. 4. Navigate to the right side of the screen and choose the Post Category “Week 3 Discussion” (or whichever week is current). Never choose anything in the box that reads “Category Sticky.” Click for screenshot. 5. To add media (optional), click the “add media“ button in between the title box and the text box. Do not add the image directly to the media library. To get the image to show in the tile preview, go to “featured image > add featured image, in the lower right-hand side.” Click for screenshot. 6. Publish the post by clicking the blue button on the right. 7. Please leave a thoughtful reply to the post of one other classmate. Remember that your comments to others should be at least 75 words in order to receive full credit. PLEASE SEE BELOW: Do not change anything in CATEGORY STICKY. Under […]
Week 3 Discussion
After reading “The Lesson” by Toni Cade Bambara, I would title my essay “School-Blocked”. The children who had moved from the south to the north seemed to be left unattended by the other adults in their life and ran free in the streets of New York. A neighborhood women whom had went to college herself, “Miss Moore”, found it her due diligence to spread her knowledge to school these children on the block they grew up and played. In my essay I would write about how “Miss Moore”, reached them, as at first the children were weary of paying attention to her and were very opinionated of who she way. They made comments “This lady moved on our block with nappy hair and proper speech and no makeup”. (Toni Bambara 1). With her persistence the she was able find a way to engage the children. One of those ways included enticing them into a car with five dollars after teaching or schooling them about money. This sets their journey to the store where they see a large price tag for $1000 on a toy sailboat and even learn about a paper weight. I found the paper weight discussion interesting as it leads to another discussion as the children compare dynamics of their lives and only one of them has a desk. I would also highlight their nervousness to walk into the store and yet their excitement prior to entering while window shopping. My essay would be about reaching the youth of the street, simple acts and the big lessons learned through the teachings of Miss Moore.
This is an amazing story wrote by TONI CADE BAMBARA. There’re so many important lessons that stood out to me. At the beginning of the story my focused was more on Sylvia’s and sugar and I instantly could tell they are two best friend who like to cause trouble around the block while they enjoy their childhood. Mrs. Moore was the one that shift my perspective about the kids in the story. Mrs. Moore took it on upon herself to educate the kids so they can have better opportunities when they grow up. She took them to different side of the world to expand their mind. The kids never thought outside of their neighborhood, but Mrs. Moore took them to the real world to show them the inequality that they are dealing with and that there’s a lot of money out there to be made. On page 6 states that “Poor people have to wake up and demand their share of the pie and don’t none of us know what kind of pie she’s talking about in the first place” ( Toni Bambara). This one is what clarifies to me that Mrs. Moore wants some of the people to stand up against the inequality that is happening but she can only show the kids about it so they can dream big, and I love the facts that Mrs. Moore is setting the example with the kids so that one day they can make better decision and get exactly what they want in life. The lesson I learn from the story is that it’s always best to go outside of your comfort zone so you can see the real world and that’s the only way you can find new inspiration and most importantly it’s good to expand our kids minds with […]
In an essay that would focus less on socio-economic issues, would be an essay that explores Sylvia’s personal understanding and growth in “The Lesson”. In the beginning of “The Lesson” Sylvia is very resistant and stubborn towards Miss Moore’s lesson about social class and money. Sylvia is confused and doesn’t fully understand the purpose of the trip to the toy store. Throughout the story she begins to understand theirs more to society than she thought. This change of Sylvia’s mindset is a very important part of the story. Sylvia understands that this lesson isn’t just about the differences in money certain objects have, but it’s about gaining self awareness of where she stands in this world. Sylvia’s mind being opened up to the harsh reality we live in something we all can understand and relate to. The need to wanting to stay in your innocents but being forced to accept the unfortunate and unfair rules of society. The title I would give this essay would be “Sylvia’s Shift in Perspective”.
As I read The Lesson, I didn’t immediately think about the deeper meaning of the toys or the store; I focused more on Sylvia’s attitude and the way she spoke. i realized that the things in the store were not just expensive, but meant something else. The store, the sailboat and the price tags were not just details of the story, but symbols that made me think about how the world is divided. The toy store seemed like a whole other world, almost like a museum where the children didn’t belong. The glass windows made it clear that they were outside, not just physically, but in life. It was like an invisible barrier reminding them that some things were not meant for them, not because they didn’t want them, but because they couldn’t have them. The sailboat was what stuck with me the most. It was supposed to represent freedom and fun, but for Sylvia, it seemed to represent everything she couldn’t control. The price was even worse: how could something so simple cost so much? It wasn’t just a toy; it was a symbol of power, privilege and access. What I liked most was that Ms. Moore never told the kids what to think, she just let them see for themselves. The price tags were like little hidden messages, forcing them to ask themselves questions they might not have asked before. I would call my essay “Hidden Messages.”
Toni Cade Bambara’s “The Lesson” utilizes language and setting in a particular way to move the story along it’s tracks and represent its main idea. As the neighborhood in which the narrator, Sylvia, and her friends/family is introduced to Miss Moore, there reactions aren’t quite positive about her. The narrator immediately introduces her as having, “nappy hair and proper speech and no makeup”, which highlights Miss Moore’s seeming disregard for appearance, yet mentioning her proper speech seems to be a trait that stands out from the others. As the narrator describes her further, she is often highlighting her flaws or belittling her. The story begins to take shape when the characters go out of their neighborhood with Miss Moore, who is “boring [them] silly” about the financial state of the country and the reality of their parents living situations. Though the characters seem to take no interest in the matter, being introduced to a toy store on Fifth Avenue (assuming in Manhattan) soon brings out their self-realization about their situations, and forces them to think of the differences in their lives compared to the lives of those who treat money like it’s disposable. In the toy store, the children have all sorts of reactions, yet one intriguing reaction had was their almost trance and disbelief. Looking at the price tags, they imagine the lives of those who would spend such amounts on simply toys, and compare the amount of money to how it would be used in their own lives. It is even described how with $35 Sylvia’s family could take a trip, or be able to pay for rent and a piano bill. These comparisons also help identify the time in which the narrative takes place. Considering how language is utilized, and the importance of setting being described in […]
During reading the article from Toni Cade Bambara tells us how a person is experiencing experiences within people such as inequality and telling the audience there each day of school. Also I would add Martin Luther King Jr including the protest because people like listening to drama and protest that makes people want to argue and debate of different situations. Protesting will fall in the setting because people like discovering the time and place of the area where is being taken care of. I would title it Being part of a protest writing this title will make the reader make want to read more about the article.For example, reading the article made me wanted to know more about the setting and the problem. This brings the readers attention willing to know more of the article. The name of the essay made me think a lesson will be brought to the essay. Reading the essay made me interesting on how they learned and adapt to the challenges.
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.
Most of the discussion in Toni Cade Bambara’s “The Lesson” is about economic disparity, but part of the merit of the story is Sylvia’s refusal to learn and change. Rather than simply accepting Miss Moore’s lesson in institutionalized unfairness, Sylvia resists, holding onto pride and superiority to the other children. This isn’t stubbornness—it’s survival. She also won’t grow weak, illustrating how entrenched in her conviction is. The utilization of the first-person narrative by Bambara is critical in presenting Sylvia’s internal conflict. Her rapid, sarcastic voice captures her intelligence and confidence, but when the story ends, her silence and not wanting to think about it disclose that Miss Moore’s lesson has sunk in. What this shows is that development may not be in tangible terms. Sylvia’s defiance act, rather than being a sign of not learning, can actually be the beginning of true self-awareness.awareness.
Miss Moore’s Way of Teaching in “The Lesson” In “The Lesson” by Toni Cade Bambara, Miss Moore is a very different kind of teacher. She does not tell the children what to think. Instead, she asks questions and makes them see things for themselves.Her way of teaching is not like school lessons—it is about real life. Miss Moore does not just say, “Life is unfair.” Instead, she takes the children to a fancy toy store where they see toys that cost more than their families’ rent. She asks them, “What do you think?” This question forces them to think about money, class, and unfairness in a way they never did before. Instead of giving answers, she helps them find the answers on their own. Instead of talking about rich and poor people, Miss Moore makes the kids feel the difference. They go from their neighborhood, where money is tight, to a store where some people can spend $1,000 on a toy boat. This makes them uncomfortable but also curious. They start asking questions: Why do some people have so much while others have so little? This lesson is powerful because it is real. Sylvia, the main character, does not like Miss Moore. She does not want to admit that she is learning something. But at the end of the story, she says she is “thinking this over.” This shows that Miss Moore’s lesson worked—even if Sylvia does not want to admit it. Her way of teaching is not about memorizing facts, but about making kids see the world in a new way. Miss Moore teaches in a way that makes kids think deeply.She does not give easy answers but pushes them to question the world. Her lesson stays with Sylvia, making her wonder about money, fairness, and what she can […]
When Bambara made Sylvia the narrator of his story, he was able to immerse us through a child’s perspective. He highlighted another side to the themes an AI generator would normally write about. Her encounter with Ms. Moore is not viewed as an opportunity to learn but as an intruder imposing her condescending opinions on them. Throughout the narrative, Sylvia expresses her disapproval of Ms. Moore based on other adults’ views. She describes Ms. Moore’s unwillingness to dress casually and wear makeup as another display of her superiority compared to the rest of her community. We can see Ms. Moore’s intentions in trying to educate the children, but from Sylvia’s perspective, we do not see those intentions come across clearly. This moment can be seen during the story when Sylvia refuses to discuss her reaction to the toy store with Ms. Moore. Sylvia struggles with her conflicting feelings of growing awareness over the social inequality she is faced with as a child. Bambara’s use of Sylvia’s point of view forces us to confront social inequality in the same way she was forced to face it through confusion and self-reflection. Through Sylvia’s narration, we also see another type of injustice when children are left to navigate these inequalities alone.
Hello My name is Heather Hansen, I may be doing this wrong but I am trying to catch up in discussion posts I missed. I am 41 years and permanently disabled and aspire to regain my independence through education and finding a passion and career where i can make a difference. I know we all struggles and I have been going through alot that have effected mt ability to focus on school. Between my disabilities and domestic violence and moving out of NYC when i needed to stay there for support and financial reasons I have been under a lot of stress, recent events have opened my eyes that after only a few months I need to come back to Manhatten to succeed in life and academics. I hope to accomlish and find a way to get bcak on track with my studies as they mean so much to me. I came as a transfer student with honor roll grades and due to DV my grades dropped. Not an excuse i take accountability, I thought I was strong enough to handle it all. I need help and I know BMCC has resources so I pray we can get me on a positive track before it is too latel
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”.
In “The Lesson” by Toni Cade Bambara the story is not just about money problems; it’s also about seeing things in a new way and growing up. Sylvia, who is the main character goes with her teacher who is named Miss Moore and her friends to a fancy toy store. At first Sylvia is upset because she can’t buy anything but as the day goes on she starts to understand more. Then Miss Moore takes the kids to the store to show them that some people are rich and some are poor and that not everyone gets the same chances in life. At first Sylvia didn’t understand. She was very angry and confused because she wanted the toys but she didn’t get why some people have a lot of money while others don’t. So the trip makes her think about things she had never thought about before. This story shows that growing up means learning hard things. But Sylvia doesn’t like it but she starts to see that the world isn’t fair. After the trip she feels like she has to figure out what to do about it. The story teaches that understanding how life works can be hard but it’s important if you want to make a change. In the end of the story Sylvia doesn’t just learn about money. She begins to understand more about how life is different for different people. She’s not just learning about money problems; she’s learning how to think for herself and make her own decisions. A good title for me for an essay about this could be: “Seeing the World Differently: What Sylvia Learns in ‘The Lesson.’”
An interesting part of The Lesson is Sylvia’s language and how she tells the story. Her sharp, witty, and sometimes defiant tone helps the reader understand the themes of awareness, resistance, and growth. Sylvia comes across as bold and opinionated. She doesn’t trust Miss Moore and sees her as someone who thinks she’s “better’n the rest of us” because she is educated and speaks differently. Sylvia’s defiant attitude is a big part of her voice. She doesn’t like being told what to do or taught lessons, which makes her an interesting and complex character. When Miss Moore takes the children on a trip, Sylvia refuses to accept the lesson being taught: “And I’m really hating this nappy-head bitch and her goddamn college degree.” This unfiltered thought shows her resistance and frustration at feeling judged or out of place. Bambara writes in a way that feels real, using slang, contractions, and informal speech to make Sylvia’s voice sound natural, as if she’s speaking directly to the reader. Because of Sylvia’s strong voice and attitude, I would title this essay “Words with Attitude: How Sylvia’s Voice Shapes The Lesson.”
In “The Lesson” by Toni Cade Bambara, beyond the clear social issues of economic disparity, the story also offers an exploration of perspective and growth. Through Sylvia’s eyes, we see how her understanding of the world is challenged during a trip to an upscale toy store. The lesson here isn’t just about economic inequality, but about how individuals come to understand their position in society and the complexities of those who hold power. The story’s focus on Sylvia’s inner conflict, as she struggles with her pride and the awareness of her own limited knowledge, highlights the tension between childhood innocence and the harsh truths of the world. This theme of personal growth and awareness is key to understanding the message, suggesting that knowledge, while difficult to absorb, is necessary for maturity. I think a good title for an essay about this perspective shift could be: “Growth Beyond the Seen: A Journey of Perspective in ‘The Lesson’.”
Some things I would talk about that is less socio economic and more interesting is Sylvia’s character development and how she reacts to the lesson shows her independence and room for development. Another thing I would talk about is The role of Miss Moore as a mentor and how she acts as an inspiration for self-awareness and challenges the children’s beliefs. Another thing is the symbolism of the store and how beyond inequality of wealth, F.A.O. Schwarz might be a representation of goals, limitations, or experience to different situations. One more thing I would talk about is the use of language and narration and how the way Sylvia’s voice affects how the reader understands the story and shows how she feels about things. A possible title for my easy would be “Beyond Money: Voice, Growth, and Perspective in The Lesson“. The reason that title is because instead of just focusing on socioeconomic issues, the attention is on character growth, story telling, and personal change.
When I read “The Lesson” by Toni Cade Bambara, I focused less on the socio-economic issues and more on Sylvia’s personality and how it develops throughout the story. What stood out most to me was Sylvia’s stubbornness and her resistance to change. You can tell by reading that Sylvia is intelligent and observant but she uses forms of sarcasm and judgment to shield herself from confronting the truths presented to her by Miss Moore. Even though she acts uninterested in Miss Moore, her thoughts show she’s paying attention and starting to question the world around her. I’d also look into the relationship between Sylvia and Sugar. They’re friends, but there’s competition as well, particularly toward the end when Sugar breaks in and surprises Sylvia. It’s almost a wake-up call for Sylvia that she’s not as in control as she’d like to be. The character of Miss Moore is intriguing as well. She’s an outsider, not only to society but also in how she’s going about teaching. Her method of getting the children to think for themselves resonates with Sylvia greatly, even though she will not acknowledge this. I’d title my essay “Sylvia Unfiltered.”
In Toni Cade Bambara’s “The Lesson,” there’s so much more going on than just the obvious talk about money and inequality. What really grabbed me was Sylvia’s character and how she changes throughout the story. At first, she’s this tough, street-smart kid who doesn’t want to listen to Miss Moore. But as they wander through that fancy toy store, you can almost feel her world expanding. It’s like she’s starting to see things differently, even if she doesn’t fully get it yet. The way Bambara writes Sylvia’s voice is super authentic—it feels like you’re right there with her, hearing her thoughts in real-time. And then there’s all this symbolism, like the sailboat that’s ridiculously expensive. It’s not just a toy; it’s a symbol of dreams and the barriers that keep them out of reach for kids like Sylvia. So, while the story definitely tackles big issues like economic disparity, it also dives deep into personal growth and awareness, which I found really compelling. It makes you think about how we all have these moments that push us to see beyond our immediate world.
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 .
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.
When I read the story, I do have a feeling what the reader what going through. At first, I thought she was talking about history. She was talking about her time at school. She was talking about school life, meeting her friends at the cafeteria and all the teachers she met through classes. The only teacher she talked was Miss Moore. She was the only black teacher in her school and she doesn’t have a first name. Also, she was wearing different clothes than most others don’t. Maybe, she might be different from other teachers. Secondly, I thought she was going through segregation. .I don’t want to go off topic but, I believe this is what she going through. In the second part, she was wondering to get some snacks for her students. But in real life, stealing is really wrong. At dismissal, the students were parting ways for their own future. This story might be related of how the author had experienced her life at school. Maybe I should renamed the story “Lesson: Toni Bambara’s True Story.” This story relates what the author had gone through at school along with her friends.
In an essay on Toni Cade Bambara’s The Lesson, I would look at the narrative strategies and character growth that contribute to the story’s overall impact. I would prefer to specifically investigate the usage of viewpoints, focusing on how Sylvia’s first-person narrative influences our understanding of her character.The first-person viewpoint is significant because it allows us readers right away access to Sylvia’s thoughts, showing her early resistance to Miss Moore’s teaching. Her tone gives an in-depth and versatile view of how she views the events around her, revealing her internal struggles and increasing awareness.I would additionally look into the setting’s importance, particularly how the difference between the community and the journey to the shop serves as a context for Sylvia’s shifting perspective.The combination of youth and spending delivers an understated but powerful indictment of current standards. The title of this essay might be “Understanding Past the Surface: Character and Perspective in Toni Cade Bambara’s The Lesson.”
When I started reading “The Lesson” it felt a little bit uneasy. I think it was due to the fact that language is used by the author is troubling. It’s rude and disrespectful. Therefore, immediately gave away the fact that these were kids of low-income families. I think of Miss Moore as a lighthouse. Even though Sylvia hated her gut, it seems that deep down she knew that Miss Moore could see something good in each one of them kids and show them what they really capable of. My favorite part is that none of the kids didn’t talk bad about all the people who could afford those toys in the store. Sylvia realizes what Miss Moore try to show them and for the moment in time she tried to fight back, but she (Sylvia) gives in to the fact that she actually understands “The Lesson” that is being taught. I would call my essay “Troubling Awakening,” because it shows the realization children experience is both eye-opening and unsettling. It suggests a deeper, more complex shift in understanding.
