The Lesson By Toni Cade Bambara

A Lesson Learned In Toni Cade Bambara’s story “The Lesson,” Sylvia, the main character, changes drastically from the beginning of the story to the end. She is, in other words, a dynamic character. To begin, Sylvia is a dynamic character because she is learning a lesson, although trying hard not to. For example, Miss Moore, an intelligent, highly regarded self-appointed advocate, takes Sylvia and the other children to an expensive toy store. None of them could even imagine being able to purchase a product as expensive as what they see in the store. After asking Miss Moore why she brought them there, Sylvia thinks to herself, “I'm mad, but I won't give her that satisfaction. So I slouch around the store being very bored…” It is certain Sylvia is understanding that Miss Moore is trying to send a message to her, although it is not very clear to her yet. She is resentful and is fighting trying to not learn the lesson by slouching around acting like she has no interest when in her head, she is clearly thinking. For example, she thinks to herself, “Who are these people that spend that much for performing clowns and $1,000 for toy sailboats? What kinda work they do and how they live and how come we ain’t in on it?” She is finally starting to realize that she is different and there is

She is going through self-realization. She says, “Not that I’m scared, what’s there to be afraid of, just a toy store. 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.” Why else would she be so scared to open the door? If she hadn’t changed, the old Sylvia would most likely just swing the door open and make herself feel at home. Instead, she is understanding that society does not expect someone like her, black and poor, to shop at that store and therefore, she does not