The Lesson Short Story Analysis

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“The Lesson” a short story from Gorilla My Love by Toni Cade Bambara is about a woman, Miss Moore, who wants the best for the children who lives in the inter-city slums of Harlem. Miss Moore took them on a field trip to a toy story that has the luxuries that they do not see often. The children think she is a mean, proper lady, but she is not that at all, she just wants to help them. The author expresses social inequality in this story. “The lesson she wants to impart is the economic inequality that exists in the United States, and for the most part, she succeeds admirably in her goal” (Korb). All of the children experienced the field trip, but Sylvia was affected the most. Miss Moore is more than a character, she is a significant symbol in this short story. She do not let the children have fun on their own terms and she is boring and gives instruction all the times; well that is what Sylvia thinks. When we stop and realize what she really is, she is really a blessing to the children. Her purpose to them is to raise awareness of the social inequality in America. Miss Moore forces them to apply math skills to the real world. “And the meter reads eighty-five cents. And I’m stalling to figure out the tip and Sugar say give him a dime” (Bambara). These math skills came in handy for Sugar when time to pay for the cab and the pricing of the toys in the toy store. Miss Moore is not just a character, she is a symbol. Her last name supports that she is a symbol. Miss “Moore” wants more for her children. She wants them to do better with their lives as they grow. Miss Moore took Sylvia and her friends on a field trip not to be vindictive, but it is more to life than the

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