Introduction
The expression ‘grass is always greener on the other side’ is sometimes true, and it is valuable to know how much greener it is. The given analysis will focus on Toni Cade Bambara’s The Lesson with a focus on the main character Sylvia’s transformation in separation, initiation, and return. The original interpretation is that Sylvia represents the oppressed, who can only learn about their oppression through education to identify the beneficiaries of the system.
Initiation
Sylvia’s initiation stage begins when Miss Moore brings her and the other children to a toy store in a wealthy neighborhood, which shows the other side of the system (“Hero’s journey,” n.d.). The analysis reveals that the toy store represents an unknown world for the character, which is why she was shocked by the toy prices (Bambara, 1972). Oppression is invisible and unperceivable for the oppressed until they can see the source of oppression, which means the beneficiaries of institutional racism, capitalism, and classism.
Return
Their return stage is marked by the mastery of two worlds reflected in her greater understanding of the wisdom behind Miss Moore’s lessons (“Hero’s journey,” n.d.). The analysis of her statement, “Where we are is who we are, Miss Moore always points out,” reveals that one must seek to learn about the unknown to properly understand the known (Bambara, 1972, p. 5). Learning about the oppressors and beneficiaries of the system is necessary to solve any form of oppression.
Conclusion
In conclusion, one can learn about his or her own oppression through education to identify the oppressors of the system. Sylvia enters the initiation stage by seeing the toy store used by rich people, whereas she returns by reflecting on her own state back home. It provokes questions about what regular people do not know about their leaders, business executives, politicians, and corporations that would put them in Sylvia’s shoes.
References
Bambara, T. C. (1972). The Lesson. Book Rags.
Hero’s journey. (n.d.). Web.