There is risk taken when introducing a deprived child to a world of lavishly expensive items and unattainable attractions. Some may accept what they have seen, and accept their situation. Others may grow stronger, rise above their circumstances, and flourish. Fortunatley for Sylvia, she has the ability to grow. In the short story "The Lesson," by Toni Cade Bambara, Sylvia has the strength to succeed through her leadership, her curiosity, and her fear that is ignited with courage. Sylvia understands success will not lower it's standard to her, so she must raise her standards to succeed.
             The leadership displayed by Sylvia will enable her to succeed in any environment she is faced with. The idea of her being the leader of her friends is clear on numerous occasions during the story. On top there was Sylvia, then Sugar, then the rest. For instance, when Miss Moore, the educated older friend and teacher of the kids, was putting the kids into the taxicabs, she handed the money directly to Sylvia, showing a trust in the leader. While at the toy store, Sylvia realizes that she can not afford anything in the store, and is angry with Miss Moore. With her simple words "let's go," they are soon back at the mailboxes, exactly where they started. In the concluding scenes of the work, Sylvia brings the lesson to a halt by walking away; trying to deny the world that she has been introduced to, and Sugar is forced to follow her leader. "I walk away and Sugar has to run to catch me..."(223). When somebody has the power to see himself or herself to the top of a group or environment, they have the ability to do the same in any situation. A leader is a leader whether rich or poor, young or old.
             Sylvia shows fear inside of her, but that fear is ignited with courage. After viewing the price on that little toy sailboat, which seemed to have such an effect on her, she feared the
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