Symbolism and Themes in The Lesson by Toni Cade Bambara Essay -- Paper

Symbolism and Themes in The Lesson by Toni Cade BambaraToni Cade Bambara wrote the compendious story, The Lesson, in 1972. The Lesson is considered by the Literary Canon to be a wonderful induce of fiction because of its use of language, humanistic theme, symbolism, and non-genre plot. Two essential elements that add to the judiciousness and enhance a reader?s comprehension of The Lesson are Bambara?s use of symbolism and theme.The Lesson takes place in New York?s cozy metropolis. The fictional story begins with a group of poor, uneducated, lower class metropolis kids standing in front of a mailbox, preparing themselves for another day of cosmos taught by Mrs. Moore. Mrs. Moore felt that it was her duty to help underprivileged children learn because she was adept of the only women in the neighborhood to earn a degree. The main component is Sylvia, who tells the story in a first person narrative. Sylvia is a late African American girl, probably around fourteen years old, who is very(prenominal) judgmental about the world around her. By Bambara?s weft of words, the reader can tell that she is extremely opinionated, presents a very tough, opposed exterior and not at all happy about having to be taught anything by Mrs. Moore. For instance, she states ?we kinda hated her too, hated the way we did the winos who cluttered up our parks and pissed on our hand ball walls? (Bambara 121). On this desirous summer day, Mrs. Moore felt that there was a lesson to learn at FAO Schwartz, a very expensive, upper class playact store in downtown Manhattan. After stepping out of the cab and peering into the window, Sylvia knows that this is not just any toy store and they are not just there for any case. The reason Mrs. Moore brought the children to FAO Schwartz is captured... ...e born on the social ladder is not a select and might not be considered to be fair. Although it is easy to take from those down the stairs you, to move up, one must take a much longer, more(prenominal) difficult approach. Bambara incorporates the theme of The Lesson into the story with very precise wisdom. The Lesson is a undimmed piece of fiction. The theme and symbolic elements will hopefully help this short story, stand the test of time. Bambara was able to express and show different views on life by bringing a few poor city kids into a ritzy toy store. This is a short story that should be read by all in hopes to educate today?s children. Works CitedBambara, Toni. ?The Lesson?. Literature Reading and Writing the Human Experience. Shorter 7th ed. Ed. Richard Abacian and Marvin Koltz. capital of Massachusetts Bedford/St. Martins, 2000. 121-126.