“The Lesson” Tony Cade Bambara Understanding the lives and experiences of the characters presented in the short story "The Lesson" by Toni Cade Bambara readers should acknowledge the significance of privilege and setting. The plot focuses on Sylvia, a child who comes from a low-income family. Sylvia and Miss Moore speak about the reality of economic inequality and of course the impact it has on how privilege comes about. Privilege and environment play a role in how many opportunities an individual might have as well as having an impact on actions, thoughts and attitudes. Miss Moore, who is knowledgeable and aware of inequality in society, represents privilege. She takes it upon herself to teach the kids in the neighborhood about what really …show more content…
“Although “The Lesson” primarily explores classism, it also exposes racism and serves as a fine example of the types of political and social issues that were prominent during the time Bambara was writing.” The contrast between the rich upper district and the run-down downtown area, together with the decaying businesses, serve as visual markers of luxury and deprivation. The characters are aware of where they live and how it limits the chance of having any doors open for them figuratively as opposed to the wealthy areas they tend to visit. “Where we live is not the point.” The characters come to accept their current circumstances. Sylvia struggles with her views of privilege and the injustices she encounters throughout the course of the story. She refuses to listen to Miss Moore “Miss Moore’s efforts to teach the children and their resistance especially Sylvia’s to learning anything.” (Cartwright) She gets introduced to a world of wealth and prosperity during her visit to the pricey toy store. “And we got to sit there watching people play games that cost a quarter a …show more content…
Her perspective changes as she empathises with someone who has a ridiculous amount of money but has no deep understanding of what life is really like. “I kinda feel sorry for her. I mean I don’t feel bad for nobody who’s got things, but she’s got so many and I bet she don’t even know she’s alive.” (Bambara) In the end, "The Lesson" highlights how the characters' perceptions and opportunities are shaped by both privilege and setting. Beyond only teaching the kids about economics, Miss Moore's lesson challenges the structures of society that support inequality, especially within Sylvia's mind. To confront structural inequities, Bambara emphasizes the significance of awareness, education, and social responsibility by looking at the characters' responses to privilege and their surroundings. Sylvia’s character develops; at first she was oblivious of how your economic status can limit opportunities, she then realizes the deeper understanding of reality is by far more important than what is materialistically possessed, but that does not stop her from wanting to be something in