In Toni Cade Bambara’s short story “The Lesson,” the narrator provides insight into a child’s knowledge of his or her own poverty through several people.
Mercedes, who comes from a somewhat more fortunate family, symbolizes a socioeconomic stratum in whom hope is not a luxury. For her, the situation is less vexing because, as revealed by her reactions, her financial circumstances are marginally better than those of the other characters. It is insufficient to evict her from their neighborhood, but it has a significant effect on how she views her own poverty and her chances of receiving a toy from FAO Schwarz.
Sylvia, the narrator, is less positive. She is a bright young lady who is quick on her feet and appears to have a very realistic view on life. That said, the happiness of not having the most painful aspects of reality thrust in one’s face is always sweet, which is why she is somewhat fed up with the forced reality check that visiting the toy store represents for her. She is enraged at everything and everyone because, more than any of her pals, she understands the unfairness of it all. Being confronted with such disadvantages in life is a tremendous burden to bear at the age of 12.
3 thoughts on “Marisa Cuni Discussion week 4”
Hi Marisa!
Mercedes is more fortunate than the other kids and we are able to see that. Not only us but the kids as well, they give her attitudes whenever she says something about her having something. When she said she would want to return to the toy store, all the kids left her to stand alone at the mailbox. The other kids say that it would take their whole lives to save up for a toy altogether but Mercedes says that her father would buy it for her if she wants. Rosie then says something about her father. Sylvia understands and is frustrated that people are able to buy these toys just for the fun of it, meanwhile, her parents can do several things at the same price. I agree that she is less positive towards the toy store trip but I believe it’s cause she sees everything as outrageous.
Marisa, thanks for the good observations. Yes, Mercedes is a bit of an outsider in that her economic situation is different from that of the others. She is also a good contrast with Sylvia because she aspires to enter that “white” world while Sylvia aims to conquer it.
From the different views of the characters, it is clear that there are issues related to inequality and alienation. The characters are used to demonstrate the opinion of the author in that a particular amount of money can purchase different things depending on someone’s financial abilities. The story demonstrates the need for people to consider how they act around different people based on people’s social status.