The Lesson by Toni Cade Bambara, Essay Example

Sylvia’s observation, “Where we are is who we are, Miss Moore always pointing out. But it don’t necessarily have to be that way (¶ 44),” begs to be answered. So does the fact that Miss Moore holds an expectation that the children must do something to change their situation. I agree with Miss Moore, and I feel empathy for Sylvia.

Those who live in a state of poverty are more prone to live for instant gratification. They tend to make no long-term plans, nor do they form habits that form trust in others. They are who they are. They live where they live. Sylvia catches this epiphany as her way of dealing with the reality of her situation. When the children were tempted to buy the special toy at the store, they realized that they did not have enough money, and at that moment, they realized that they did not have enough of anything with which to satisfy their longings and their dreams.

Miss Moore is saying that the way you are right now is not necessarily he way you are becoming, because sees life as a series of transitions that can lead a person out of where they are into a new and different place. She takes this view and applies it to both the poor and the affluent. Miss Moore expects the children to begin to lift themselves from their current lifestyle through an acknowledgement of differences in people. Respect becomes the key to acceptance that becomes the key to the mutual sharing of ideas and differences. The sagely Miss Moore is correct. All children like Sylvia need a Miss Moore in their live.

Works Cited

Bambara, Toni. The Lesson. New York: The Gale Group (2002).