"The Lesson" by Toni Cade Bambara

"The Lesson" by Toni Cade Bambara is a short story set in the inner part of New York City that gives the reader an opportunity to briefly see into the lives of children living devoid of wealth and education. It takes place in the early seventies, following the civil rights movement and during a time when the imbalance of wealth in terms of race was immense. Bamabara, through the use of narrative point of tone, …

…are the children. "The Lesson" draws important themes of life together while still achieving an interesting plot that keeps the reader's attention. Through the use of the essential elements found in a short story, Bambara allows the reader a realistic idea of the difficulties growing up a poor minority. The themes of class disparity and the value of money are shown through the plot, setting, tone, symbols and characterization. Bambara's message is clear, money matters.