Toni Cade Bambara’s short story, “The Lesson,” portrays an afternoon where a mystery woman takes a group of inner city children on an adventure to Manhattan, New York. The mystery lady directs the group of children to refer to her as Miss Moore. Although Miss Moore plays a significant role throughout the story, she does not appear to be the main character. Bambara’s writes “The Lesson” in first person; thus, leaving Sylvia, the foul-mouthed preteen narrator, to be the main character. Throughout the course of the story, Miss Moore and Sylvia continuously challenge each other’s views; therefore, Miss Moore assumes the position of the antagonist, leaving Sylvia to be the protagonist. Both characters have significant roles in the story; but,
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Sylvia is extremely stubborn, thus making it complex for the readers to understand her character. Protagonists are normally characters whom the audience sides with or “roots for” in a story; however, in “The Lesson”, Sylvia’s tough, unfriendly exterior make it difficult for the audience to enjoy her company. Even though the audience may struggle deciphering Sylvia’s hardcore charisma, Miss Moore immediately sees potential in the young bullheaded narrator. Once Sylvia realizes her intentions, she immediately declares Miss Moore her nemesis. Throughout the course of the story, Sylvia takes on the responsibility of making sure Miss Moore has a difficult time teaching her lesson. Referring to Miss Moore, Sylvia states, “I wouldn’t give the bitch that satisfaction.” Although Sylvia poses to be such a prideful leader, once faced with the simple task of entering the toy story, she becomes completely reserved. “When we get there, I kinda hang back” Sylvia says once reaching the toy store. This is where Miss Moore’s lesson begins to affect Sylvia, but of course she denies it. The protagonist is also the character most capable of change; however, Sylvia’s tough attitude makes it complicated for the readers to decipher whether Sylvia will accept and appreciate the lesson from Miss …show more content…
Miss Moore hides her identity and her reason for taking the kids on the trip, likewise, Sylvia hides the fact that she understands much more than her peers. Leadership is another characteristic the two characters share. Sylvia leads the group of cousins and friends while Miss Moore has the ability to regulate the actions of the children and their parents. For example, Sylvia states “they’d (as in the parents) all be too embarrassed” to turn down Miss Moore’s offer to take responsibility of the kids. Lastly, the characters show signs of maturity. Miss Moore realizes that she had a greater purpose in life than what she is exposed to at an earlier age; therefore, she exposes Sylvia to the advantages of higher living. Early in the story, Sylvia is bothered by the fact that Miss Moore claims that they are “all poor and live in the slums.” Sylvia is aware that there is more that she desires for her life, but is unsure how to achieve her goals. Sylvia needs Miss Moore to understand how to accomplish her goal of living a better lifestyle and Miss Moore needs Sylvia to accomplish her goal of ensuring that someone has the same opportunity she had to reach success. Both characters need each other to grow. Although Sylvia is the protagonist and Miss Moore is the antagonist, both characters have complex roles. Bambara proves
Sylvia is extremely stubborn, thus making it complex for the readers to understand her character. Protagonists are normally characters whom the audience sides with or “roots for” in a story; however, in “The Lesson”, Sylvia’s tough, unfriendly exterior make it difficult for the audience to enjoy her company. Even though the audience may struggle deciphering Sylvia’s hardcore charisma, Miss Moore immediately sees potential in the young bullheaded narrator. Once Sylvia realizes her intentions, she immediately declares Miss Moore her nemesis. Throughout the course of the story, Sylvia takes on the responsibility of making sure Miss Moore has a difficult time teaching her lesson. Referring to Miss Moore, Sylvia states, “I wouldn’t give the bitch that satisfaction.” Although Sylvia poses to be such a prideful leader, once faced with the simple task of entering the toy story, she becomes completely reserved. “When we get there, I kinda hang back” Sylvia says once reaching the toy store. This is where Miss Moore’s lesson begins to affect Sylvia, but of course she denies it. The protagonist is also the character most capable of change; however, Sylvia’s tough attitude makes it complicated for the readers to decipher whether Sylvia will accept and appreciate the lesson from Miss …show more content…
Miss Moore hides her identity and her reason for taking the kids on the trip, likewise, Sylvia hides the fact that she understands much more than her peers. Leadership is another characteristic the two characters share. Sylvia leads the group of cousins and friends while Miss Moore has the ability to regulate the actions of the children and their parents. For example, Sylvia states “they’d (as in the parents) all be too embarrassed” to turn down Miss Moore’s offer to take responsibility of the kids. Lastly, the characters show signs of maturity. Miss Moore realizes that she had a greater purpose in life than what she is exposed to at an earlier age; therefore, she exposes Sylvia to the advantages of higher living. Early in the story, Sylvia is bothered by the fact that Miss Moore claims that they are “all poor and live in the slums.” Sylvia is aware that there is more that she desires for her life, but is unsure how to achieve her goals. Sylvia needs Miss Moore to understand how to accomplish her goal of living a better lifestyle and Miss Moore needs Sylvia to accomplish her goal of ensuring that someone has the same opportunity she had to reach success. Both characters need each other to grow. Although Sylvia is the protagonist and Miss Moore is the antagonist, both characters have complex roles. Bambara proves