Author and text read: The Lesson” by Toni Cade Bambara Write a closely persuasive paper in which you argue and persuade your reader to look at a writer and a selection of his or her sections/chapters/selections we have read in a more powerful and careful way. You must use one or more of the books or texts we have read prominently in discussing your interpretation as well as two or three critical sources/thinkers either from the classroom sources or library research with a similar or comparative thought process. This paper will be a claim of aesthetic following Palahniuk’s model in the essay “Not Chasing Amy.”

QUESTION

Author and text read: The Lesson” by Toni Cade Bambara
Write a closely persuasive paper in which you argue and persuade your reader to look at a writer and a selection of his or her sections/chapters/selections we have read in a more powerful and careful way. You must use one or more of the books or texts we have read prominently in discussing your interpretation as well as two or three critical sources/thinkers either from the classroom sources or library research with a similar or comparative thought process. This paper will be a claim of aesthetic following Palahniuk’s model in the essay “Not Chasing Amy.”
The claim of aesthetic may take into account–philosophical, historical, sociological, and biographical factors in the artist’s presentation. For supporting content follow your research and interviews. Remember in this assignment I am looking for scholarly sources—literature scholars—and/or primary sources—interviews with the author discussing the art. Think of how Palahniuk lauds or celebrates Hempel’s work. Claims of Value also argue that one view is better or more valuable than another view–he does seem to argue in favor of minimalism as a favorable style. Claims of value ultimately involve a comparison (explicit or implicit) and express approval or disapproval of standards. To fashion a sound claim of value, employ standards with which your audience agrees.
For example, if I were to argue that graffiti is art and, therefore, valuable, I would need to prove that graffiti fits the criteria most readers would employ to define art. In this way, claims of value incorporate elements pertinent to claims of fact (testimony, examples, etc.). Think of how Palahniuk defines minimalism as an aesthetic he admires and defines that literary movement for example. He also expresses disdain for long and overly told novels and prose. Possibly discuss Flannery O’Connor and Southern Gothic, Wolff/Kingston and memoir, or Lorraine Hansberry and politics, civil rights/race and drama/playwrighting.
Important Note: Again, be careful not to be too obvious or general/vague with discussion—stay close to terrain of the texts you’ve read and researched. Remember discussion should be more than a report, a summary or survey.
An excellent summary:
Describes the structure and organization of the text/s
Accurately communicates the author’s representation, intention and goals
An excellent response:
Uses strategies from handouts/lectures/says more about less
Focuses on specific strategies that have been identified in the summary
Utilizes scholarly discussion or author interviews to support ideas
Utilizes MLA
signal phrases and in-text citations
(Links to an external site.)
Creates an argument or takes a position on the author’s intended style and meaning

ANSWER

The Power and Careful Examination of Toni Cade Bambara’s “The Lesson”

Introduction

Toni Cade Bambara’s short story “The Lesson” is a powerful piece of literature that warrants a closer and more thoughtful examination. Through the lens of aesthetic analysis, this persuasive paper aims to argue and persuade readers to appreciate Bambara’s work on a deeper level. By employing Charles Palahniuk’s model from the essay “Not Chasing Amy,” we will delve into the aesthetic elements of “The Lesson” and explore the philosophical, historical, sociological, and biographical factors that contribute to the author’s presentation. This discussion will be supported by both critical sources and primary sources, such as interviews with the author, to provide a comprehensive and scholarly analysis.

Summary

“The Lesson” follows the story of a group of underprivileged African-American children in Harlem who are taken on a field trip to a high-end toy store by Miss Moore, their determined and insightful teacher. Through the eyes of the story’s protagonist, Sylvia, readers witness the stark contrast between the impoverished community they come from and the opulent lifestyle represented by the store. As the children confront the unequal distribution of wealth and privilege, they are faced with a valuable lesson about social inequality and the inherent power dynamics at play in society.

Argument

Bambara’s “The Lesson” can be appreciated for its rich aesthetic qualities and its ability to provoke critical thinking. The author’s deliberate structure and organization enhance the impact of the story (Moody, 2006). By using a first-person narrative from Sylvia’s perspective, Bambara immerses readers in the raw reality of Harlem and allows us to experience the lesson alongside the characters. This narrative choice creates a sense of authenticity and immediacy, drawing readers into the story’s world.

Moreover, the story’s aesthetic power lies in its ability to seamlessly blend the personal and the political. Bambara intertwines the individual experiences of the characters with broader social issues, highlighting the larger systems of oppression at play (Palmer, 2019). By incorporating philosophical, historical, and sociological factors, the author crafts a multifaceted narrative that invites readers to reflect on the complexities of inequality and social justice.

In support of this argument, critical sources and thinkers can shed light on the significance of Bambara’s work. For instance, scholar bell hooks offers insights into the intersectionality of race, class, and gender in literature, which aligns with the themes explored in “The Lesson.” Additionally, interviews with Toni Cade Bambara herself provide valuable primary sources, allowing readers to gain a deeper understanding of the author’s intention and goals in writing this influential piece.

By examining “The Lesson” through an aesthetic lens, we can appreciate the value of Bambara’s style and meaning. The story exemplifies the power of minimalist storytelling, which Palahniuk lauds in his essay (“the Lesson” by Toni Cade Bambara: Literary Devices – 768 Words | Essay Example, 2023). Bambara’s concise and evocative prose effectively conveys the harsh realities of socio-economic inequality without resorting to lengthy exposition. This aesthetic choice allows readers to engage with the story’s core message and encourages us to critically examine the systems of power and privilege in our own lives.

Conclusion

Toni Cade Bambara’s “The Lesson” demands a more powerful and careful examination, appreciating its aesthetic qualities and its ability to prompt critical thought. Through the effective structure and organization of the narrative, Bambara immerses readers in the world of Harlem and exposes the social inequalities present. By incorporating diverse perspectives and utilizing primary and critical sources, we can deepen our understanding of the author’s intention and the impact of her work. Ultimately, “The Lesson” serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of addressing social inequality and challenging oppressive systems, making it a valuable and thought-provoking contribution to literature.

References

Moody, S. (2006). By Custom and By Law: Black Folklore and Racial Representation at the Birth of Jim Crow. Psu-us. https://www.academia.edu/73951363/By_Custom_and_By_Law_Black_Folklore_and_Racial_Representation_at_the_Birth_of_Jim_Crow 

Palmer, G. L. (2019, June 21). Oppression and Power. Pressbooks. https://press.rebus.community/introductiontocommunitypsychology/chapter/oppression-and-power/

“The Lesson” by Toni Cade Bambara: Literary Devices – 768 Words | Essay Example. (2023, April 20). Free Essays. https://ivypanda.com/essays/critical-analysis-essay-the-lesson-by-toni-cade-bambara/