The lesson

             A First Look at a Different Style of Life
             "The Lesson", by Toni Cade Banbara, is a story that captures a turnkey moment in the lives of a group of poor black kids in the 1970's. Some people would argue that Miss Moore is not successful in teaching the kids that life is not fair and that they will have to work hard probably harder than other kids to have an equal chance in becoming somebody important in life. Miss Moore uses the harsh realities of the world around them to enlighten the kids that there is more to life that what they know. Miss Moore is successful in teaching the kids that life is not fair and if they work hard enough there is a better world out there.
             The most valuable lessons in life are not the ones learn in a classroom but the ones that life throws at you and make you feel different inside for ever. Miss Moore uses this idea by taking the kids to the most expensive store in New York. The kids are not very happy that they have to waste a perfect swimming day to go on this fieldtrip. "I'd much rather go to the pool or to the show where it's cool" (Banbara). She knows she will get the kids attention by showing them toys. Although when the kids see the prices they will ask all types of different questions. "What kinda work they do and how they live and how come we ain't in on it?" (Banbara). This is the way Miss Moore will get them to learn and remember this valuable lesson about life.
             The author makes the story interesting by making us see the conflict between Sylvia and Miss Moore through Sylvia's eyes. "I'm really hating this nappyhead bitch and her goddamm college degree" (Banbara). Sylvia is a character everybody can relate to because all the things she says about everybody. She is so vulgar and strait forward that it makes you think she is not afraid of anything. Sylvia takes the role of the leader of the pack. Probably because she's o
             ...

More Essays:

APA     MLA     Chicago
The lesson. (1969, December 31). In MegaEssays.com. Retrieved 02:37, March 29, 2024, from https://www.megaessays.com/viewpaper/29551.html