- Critic Roy Neil Graves writes: “Miss Moore apparently operates on the premise that, because knowledge is power, showing poor children the inequities of American capitalism might spur them to constructive action. Miss Moore’s view, however, does not reflect the full complexity of Bambara’s angry, pessimistic investigation into the flawed social and economic system” (214). Respond to Graves: First explain Bambara’s “investigation into the flawed social and economic system” then analyze the extent to which you think that investigation is complex and/or ‘angry’ or ‘pessimistic,’ or not.
- Critic John Goodwin explains: “Bambara’s ‘The Lesson’ examines the experiences of a specific subculture and its relationship with the larger society. Bambara delves into the world of African Americans in Harlem,
where she was from, and their reactions to the surrounding culture. The effectiveness of ‘The Lesson’ derives from putting the reader into the position of the narrator. With this approach, the reader can learn through vicarious participation and by comparing the thoughts and actions of the narrator” (129). Analyze a passage (2-
5 lines) from the story where you think the reader gains a deeper understanding by being put into the position of the first-person narrator. What does Sylvia do or say or think that makes you really ‘get where she’s coming from’?
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