be happy settling for less? Or did she even realize that she might be settling? Bambara raises interesting thoughts with the use of symbolism. Another element of literature that Bambara graciously incorporates in The Lesson is the theme. The theme is that life is not always fair and that if you want something, you have to work for it. The theme can be recognized by her use of symbolism, but also by the way she establishes a difference between social and ethnic classes. Sylvia wants to suggest that her and the other children “go to the Sunset and terrorize the West Indian Kids and take their hair ribbons and their money too” (Bambara 122). From this statement, the reader can tell that stealing doesn’t cause much of a moral dilemma as it would most. Possessions are things to be taken by the strongest person- a survival of the fittest attitude. Then when the children arrive in Manhattan, they see all the white people with their riches and claim “white folks crazy” (Bambara 122). The questions becomes- why wouldn’t they take their belongings like the West Indian kids? One could suggest that they do not feel that they are superior enough to take them. Where you are born on the social ladder is not a choice and might not be considered to be fair. Although it is easy to take from those beneath you, to move up, one must take a much longer, more difficult approach. Bambara incorporates the theme of The Lesson into the story with very precise wisdom. The Lesson is a brilliant 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 Expe...
