Determining what one desires to be in life could prove to be a difficult choice. With so many options to choose from, it may seem overwhelming at times. However, have people ever taken a moment to contemplate about the children that do not have it, as some people say it, “as good as we do.” These children have a choice in what they wish to become, or do they? What about when society intrudes and judges someone because of where they were raised? This was the mindset that Sylvia has when visiting the toy store. She did not want the white people staring at her with disgusted gazes. The readers can infer Sylvia grew up from a place that resembles Harlem or the Bronx which provides readers with some important information on Sylvia’s feelings and emotions. “The lesson” gives us an insight of a little black girl, Sylvia, and how she grasps the value and importance of money and herself. …show more content…
One example of how Sylvia learns the value of money is when one of the girls ask the question, “Can we steal?”(171). Coming from a poverty stricken area, Sylvia does not comprehend the value and importance of money because she never had any. Janey Carey Eldred wrote in a narrative that the price of a certain toy Sylvia was interested in “catches her off guard” (510). Sylvia comes to the realization of how much toys, objects, etc. actually cost. Eldred says the statement to support the idea Bambara proposes that Sylvia acquires an understanding of the value of money. Another lesson that Sylvia absorbs is about