In "The Lesson," Miss Moore emerges as a distinctive figure in Sylvia's neighborhood. Unlike her neighbors, Miss Moore embraces her natural curls, speaks with precise diction, and insists on being addressed by her last name. Having attended college, she is set on opening the children's eyes to the broader realities of life.

An Unconventional Field Trip

One day, Miss Moore decides to take the neighborhood kids on an educational outing. She initiates the discussion with topics like the cost of goods, the income disparity experienced by their parents, and the broader issue of wealth inequality in America. Her words sting Sylvia when she categorizes them as impoverished, residing in the slums, igniting Sylvia's anger.

The Cab Ride Conundrum

Miss Moore arranges transportation by hailing two cabs and entrusts Sylvia with five dollars to cover their fare. Sylvia contemplates running off with the money to buy barbecue, although her friend Sugar and the rest of the group refuse to go along with the plan. Upon reaching their destination, Sylvia slyly pockets the four dollars returned as change.

Window Shopping at F. A. O. Schwarz

The group finds themselves outside the renowned toy store, F. A. O. Schwarz, peering into its lavish displays. Among the extravagant items are a $300 microscope, a $480 paperweight, and a $1,195 sailboat. The children, fascinated by these luxuries, engage in conversation about their impracticality. Miss Moore takes the opportunity to explain the function of a paperweight, though only Mercedes sees its relevance, having a desk at home. The sailboat captivates their attention the most. Even Sylvia, usually reticent, exclaims, "Unbelievable." They discuss the difference between the model sailboats they create from kits and the real ones showcased in the window. Sylvia grows curious about actual boat prices, but Miss Moore encourages her to explore and report back her findings later.

The Uneasy Entrance

As the children step into the store, Sylvia lingers at the back, overwhelmed with an inexplicable mix of discomfort and shame. They navigate the aisles quietly, refraining from touching the high-priced toys. When Sugar reaches out to caress the sailboat, Sylvia is seized by jealousy and anger, feeling an urge to react physically. She confronts Miss Moore about the purpose of their visit, to which Miss Moore responds by asking Sylvia if something is bothering her.

Pondering on the Subway Ride

During the subway ride home, Sylvia's thoughts drift to an expensive clown figure she noticed, priced at $35. To her, that amount represents significant necessities: bunk beds, family trips to visit Grandpa, rent, and even the piano bill. Her mind reels at the thought of people who spend such sums on mere toys, questioning why some possess so much wealth while her family and friends remain deprived. Miss Moore's words echo in her mind about the potential for the poor to transcend their circumstances by challenging the established norm. Sylvia dismisses Miss Moore's wisdom, feeling triumphant in keeping the taxi change. However, discomfort lingers, as her day has been disturbed by these unsettling reflections.

Reflecting Back Home

Upon their return, Miss Moore inquires about the children's impressions of the toy store. One child remarks on the eccentricity of white people, while another expresses a desire to visit the store again with birthday money. Sylvia is taken aback when Sugar voices her thoughts, observing that the price of the sailboat exceeds the annual food cost for all the children. Miss Moore is thrilled by Sugar's insight and encourages her to elaborate. Sugar continues, unfazed by Sylvia's attempts to silence her, asserting that the nation's claim to democracy is hollow without equal wealth opportunities. Though Miss Moore is pleased, Sylvia perceives Sugar's actions as a betrayal and again attempts to quiet her. Miss Moore turns to Sylvia, probing her for any lessons learned, but Sylvia, in defiance, withdraws. Sugar tails behind her, as Sylvia brings up the money they still have. Rather than answering directly, Sylvia suggests indulging in junk food from Hascombs, then challenges Sugar to a race. Allowing Sugar to take the lead, she plans to find solitude to process the day's events.