Sylvias Personal Evolution
Toni Cade Bambara's "The Lesson," is a story about a young girl growing up in the ghetto who learns a valuable life lesson. The lesson learned is taught by Ms. Moore, the only educated woman in the neighborhood. The narrator of the story, Sylvia, and a group of other underprivileged children are taken to an upscale part of the city that they have never seen before. The children go into F.A.O. Schwarz, an expensive toy store. At the store the children feel out of place-there is no way their families could ever afford the expensive toys on display. For Sylvia, this trip marks the first time in her life that she realizes her family has very little compared to others, especially in comparison to white families. The change in both Sylvia's thoughts and actions throughout the story are a testament to what she has learned from Ms. Moore. It also gives evidence to Sylvia's acceptance of this lesson about economic inequality. Ms. Moore's lesson changes Sylvia's perspective, and thus Sylvia has a greater chance of being successful in life. Sylvia's lack of understanding about life and the world in general is apparent by her attitude at the beginning of the story. Sylvia has a tough, sassy attitude towards everything and everyone. She sp
Moore presented seemed simple on the surface through this lesson about the world Sylvia was transformed. Sylvia spends time reflecting on the day's happenings but is still tries to deny the truth about her life and the world. She is upset with her new-found discovery but doesn't quite know why. Sylvia knows that this woman is different and does not necessarily see Ms. Sylvia is convinced that she will prevail and her testament to this can be found in her closing line, "But ain't nobody gonna beat me at nuthin" (Bambara 139). The actual economic difference angers her, as does the fact that Ms. Moore is a role model for Sylvia because she is an educated black woman who rose up against many obstacles. Sylvia begins to change her thinking when she sees the difference between the rest of the world and her perceived world when the group visits F. "And something weird is goin on, I can feel it in my chest"(Bambara 139). Sylvia's self confident attitude suddenly disappears as she tries to enter the store. Something is holding her back; the feeling that she doesn't deserve to go into this upscale store.
Common topics in this essay:
Ms Moore,
Ms Moore's,
Moore Sylvia,
FAO Schwarz,
ms moore,
Instead Sylvia,
Bambara's Lesson,
Human Experience,
ms moore's,
toy store,
economic inequality,
Marvin Klotz,
Boston Bedford,
ms moore comes,
huge economic,
fao schwarz,
sylvia struggles,
store sylvia,
sylvia feels,
ms moore sylvia,
ms moore's lesson,
ms moore children,
moore children,
|
Acceptance Essays
