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Various symbols are used in “The Lesson,” by Toni Cade Bambara, to represent the social and economic inequality faced by the children in this story. The children, not that they asked for it, are dealt the bad hand by fate. It is up to them to decide what to do about it or even to do anything at all. A great deal of symbolism can be found by simply examining the name Ms. Moore. Marital …

…of Ms. Moore, the children gain the knowledge they need about the world they live in and are able to apply this newly learned information to their lives. The children are educated by example and are shown that they don’t have to live in their comfort zone. Even though they are angry about what they have learned, it is necessary for Ms. Moore to show them what they can have, what anyone can have.