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Summary Of The Lesson By Toni Cade Bambara

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Toni Cade Bambara’s short story titled “The Lesson” is a tale about a group of African American children who are in the care of an educated woman named Miss Moore. The children are being watched by Miss Moore and consistent with her education and background she seeks to teach the young children an important lesson. The lesson that Miss Moore teaches the children is about economics, equality, democracy and race. Although these aspects of the lesson are not directly implied they are definitely implicated.
Toni Cade Bambara’s ability to inform her audience of the intricacies of “Black” lifestyle is apparent in this narrative. Bambara uses colloquial language to create a dynamic environment for her characters and her audience. Some readers might expect a story with …show more content…

However, Bambara uses the dialogue and colloquial language to juxtapose perception and reality for the characters in this tale.
It is also important that the story’s point of view is from the young children rather than the viewpoint of the “irritating” educated Miss Moore. The children’s perspective allow the story to be digested with ease. There is a lighter tone to the children’s perspective and because of this viewpoint the story does not take on an overly political tone. The children’s point of view also lends a certain light heartedness to the tale. The children’s characters allow for humor to be inserted into what would otherwise be a very serious narrative if it were happening between adults characters.
Also of concern is the overall thematic elements of the story. As stated previously Miss Moore is interested in teaching the children about economics, equality, democracy and race. These lessons are all something that is taught to them against their will. The children want to have an easygoing adventure that has nothing to do with Miss Moore or her ideas. Miss Moore seeks to expose the children

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