The story, “The Lesson,” written by Toni Cade Bambara is about Sylvia, her friends, and their exploration of a new place. Sylvia is led out of her predominately African American neighborhood by Miss Moore to Fifth Avenue, where she and her friends find luxury. Sylvia’s inner story reveals from the beginning that she does not want to follow Miss Moore’s efforts in education her or her friends. Miss Moore wonders if Sylvia learned anything from the outing. Miss Moore informs Sylvia about the money topic, but critics claim that there is a deeper lesson. Nancy Hargrove, for example, believes that children should be exposed to economic injustice. Jerome Cartwright, a critic, claims that many readers don’t see the larger picture. Melanie Marotta gives an analysis of the story of Toni Cade Bambara and the truth behind it.
Every critic offers their own opinions and perspectives on the dynamic relationship that Sylvia refuses to learn with Miss Moore’s desire teach. Nancy Hargrove’s critique, entitled “Youth in Toni Cade Bambara’s Gorilla, My Love”, states that the heart of the story is the struggle between Sylvia and the people who live in poverty in Fifth Avenue. According to the author, Sylvia’s experiences cause the illusion of her reality in the story to crumble once she sees the differences between the rich society she lives in and the one she is from. Hargrove asserts that Miss Moore is trying to teach Sylvia the lessons of economic inequality. Sylvia, who was brave and confident at the beginning shows her resistance by refusing to allow the group to enter the toy store she fears. “Sylvia’s shame comes from her inferiority as she doesn’t belong in this store,” says the critic. It is implied and subtly communicated by Sylvia’s comparison of the children entering the store in a chaotic fashion to a ‘glue-together jigsaw made all wrong’. Miss Moore inquires about the group’s learnings at the end. The critic thinks that Sylvia is trying to protect herself against more pain and humiliation by not sharing what she has learned. Sylvia must share what she’s learned in order to accept “injustice and inferiority” as well as the imperfection of her world. The critic’s assessment of Sylvia made it obvious that she had learned from Miss Moore. Jerome Cartwright wrote “Bambara’s Lesson”. He believes that the story is misunderstood by other critics. Cartwright disagrees with Hargrove’s notion that the story is about injustice. He believes that the lesson to learn is “the value and importance of thinking” The story’s driving force, according to the critic is Miss Moore’s power struggle with Sylvia. Bambara’s story shows that Sylvia is unable to accept Miss Moore’s kindness despite her repeated dislike. Miss Moore exploits every idea that children make up by providing correct information. She opens up the doors to learning by engaging with children and asking questions. Hargrove’s assessment has been criticized but Sylvia is not entirely satisfied with the ending. Cartwright believes Sylvia is learning more about her reality. According to the author, Sylvia has been given a newfound understanding and a delusion veil that has been removed, which she believes gives her the “promised hope” of being able to escape poverty.
Cartwright believes that Hargrove’s belief is that the story can be retold because of conflict between the wealthy and the poor is incorrect. Melanie Marotta’s analysis, ‘The Lessons The Female Antagonists Learn That Transforms Their Identities’, ‘My Man Bovanne,’ ‘Gorilla, My Love,’ ‘Raymond’s Run,’ ‘The Lesson’ in Toni Cade Bambara’s Gorilla, My Love. She insists that Sylvia goes through three phases of personal development. According to the critic, Sylvia’s first existence begins as they wait for transportation to their destination. The critic points out that Sylvia learns about money in her first life while waiting for transport to their destination.
Sylvia notices that there are many more items than she can grasp when she arrives at the destination. Miss Moore informs Sylvia of Miss Moore’s advice to take Sylvia inside the story to examine one toy, which is a boat. The critic explains Sylvia’s second existence, while Sylvia internalizes her hesitation about entering the store. Marotta believes Sylvia’s confidence is dissolved at this time due to her knowing the truth about money and her position. Sylvia is able to begin her third life at the store when she enters. The critic claims that Sylvia’s anger toward Miss Moore and Sugar stems from her realization that the social hierarchy in society is controlled by money (Marotta). The critic said that Miss Moore’s knowledge of children makes them feel free from their isolation and helps them see the possibility of a better future.
Toni Cade Bambara is an inspiring and timeless author of “The Lesson”. Marotta as well Cartwright acknowledge that Miss Moore is there to teach Sylvia and her other children by showing a part society they weren’t aware existed. Hargrove was not without fault, but she focused mainly on the conflict between rich and poor. Hargrove’s critique focuses heavily on the existence of economic and social inequality. Sylvia finally recognizes this. Cartwright’s and Marotta’s respective analyses of Sylvia Moore’s knowledge are both important. Sylvia is able to reposition herself within society by using this knowledge. Marotta summarizes Miss Moore’s purposeful lesson that Sylvia is able to reposition itself in the hierarchy of society by using her knowledge. Sylvia can take control of her economic and social circumstances by using the information she has gained from Miss Moore.
