Toni Cade Bambara The Lesson Summary

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JaLena Slaughter Introduction to Lit Professor Fitzpatrick 2/7/11 Analysis of “The Lesson” “Equal chance to pursue happiness means an equal crack at the dough, don’t it?” (Bambara 57). In “The Lesson,” Toni Cade Bambara uses theme and symbolism to give the audience a sense of reality and make us realize the world is not an equal place. Through the characters, which are all African American children and no older than thirteen, we are able to able to sense the effects of growing up in the midst of socioeconomic differences in America. This is described through their use of language their attitude, and nicknames (Junebug and Fat Butt). Ms Moore prevailed over these issues and her purpose in the…show more content…
“And then she gets to the part about we all poor and live in the slums which I don’t feature” (3). Sylvia is the protagonist of the story, her resistance and fear of learning shows just how blinded the children are to their situation. Sylvia is considered a very stubborn character, she tries to run from the fact that Ms Moore’s messages made any since at all. “What I want to know is….I never talk to her, I won’t give the bitch that satisfaction” (39). Ms Moore shows the children things they are not use to. She lets them ride in a taxi on the way to their destination. This is something neither of them have ever done; their parents couldn’t afford to allow things like that and probably wouldn’t even if they were. Ms Moore gives Sylvia the five dollars to pay the cab driver and an extra 10% for a tip, which she doesn’t and keeps the change. She has ways of her own of spending that extra 10 cent. She makes a joke of Ms Moore not being smart enough to realize that she still has her change, however all of this is a part of the lesson Ms Moore is preparing to teach the…show more content…
“But I feel funny, shame. But what I got to be scared about?”(40). Once the kids are in they evaluate all the toys and are really stunned at the prices, $300 microscopes and $480 paperweights. They gaze at the sailboats and make comparisons to the toys they purchase and play with. They go on about what all that money could do for them in their households, “that much money should last forever” (34). “Who are these people that spend that much…what kind of work they do…how come we aint in on it?”(44). Sylvia is very much amazed, of course she is bitter about the fact that this is seeming to make her feel a certain way, like she’s learning something. “Unbelievable, I hear myself say….for some reason this pisses me off”

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