Some experiences change a person and their outlook profoundly. The process of growing up can be gradual but when a transformations occurs abruptly and unexpectantly it can be difficult to handle. Sylvia, the main character in Toni Cade Bambara's "The Lesson," learns a lesson about social class and the implications of wealth and in the process loses some of the innocence that characterizes childhood. Sylvia resists this lesson, therefore the changes that take place in her are subtle, yet they are extensive.
             Ms. Moore tells the children to go into the store, but she doesn't lead the way. Here Sylvia becomes uncharacteristicly unsure of herself, "But I feel funny, shame, But what I got to be shamed about? Got as much right to go in as anybody. But somehow I can't seem to get hold of the door, so I step away for Sugar to lead." Sylvia seems to be very much the leader until this point and so she is clearly disquieted by the differences she sees between her world and that of Fifth Avenue. Sylvia doesn't yet understand her discomfort but she will be unable to ignore it. This experience unnerves Sylvia and challenges the perception she has of herself, "And I look at her and she looks at me and this is ridiculous. I mean, damn, I have never been shy about doing nothing or going nowhere." Sylvia is about to be forced to rethink her perceptions of herself and of her place in society. She is too tough and too smart not to come away from this with a new understanding of the world that exists beyond the slums that have, until now, been her entire world.
             As the story begins the reader sees Sylvia avoid thinking about topics that relate to money. In the cab Sylvia is supposed to calculate a tip for the driver, She'd rather formulate a new plan for the money Ms. Moore has given her. When Sylvia is forced to address the tip she decides that the driver doesn't need the money as badly as she does. Here Sylvia's thinking is flawed ...