LISA SIMPSON is a model of good conduct, citizenship, and creativity. As a result, she finds it difficult to fit in anywhere. At home she is the Simpson family conscience, the chastening voice of political correctness, and the soul of reason. Consequently, she is ignored. Unless, of course, her intelligence can be used to further one of Homer or Bart’s cockeyed schemes. Seeking understanding and appreciation, Lisa turns to Springfield Elementary School, where she hopes her unique abilities will be noticed. And they are. Her teachers reward her intelligence, sensitivity, and talent with straight A’s and total indifference. Her classmates, however, are anything but indifferent, calling her names like “Poindexter Pointy-head,” “Geekazoid,” and “The Brain Queen.”Lisa channels her sadness and disappointment into her saxophone music, where, under the guiding spirit of her mentor, Bleeding Gums Murphy, she has composed such gems as “Pounded by the Dodgeball Blues,” “Puny Allowance Blues,” and “I Been Good So Long, It Looks Like Bad to Me.” Her other passions include ponies, watching the “Happy Little Elves,” dialing the “Corey Hot Line,” and studying the lives of women who have resisted domination by the patriarchy. Her considerable achievements include implementing Springfield’s alarmingly successful recycling program, being an all-star goalie in pee-wee hockey, and finding a practical use for geometry.
Even though Lisa gets way less attention for her achievements than Bart for his mischief, she is often Bart’s devoted and invaluable ally. She has helped him foil the diabolical schemes of Sideshow Bob, discover zen in the art of miniature golf, and hone his foodfighting skills by serving as a convenient target. As Bart reluctantly admits, Lisa has the brains and talent to go all the way, no matter what anyone says. And when she does, Bart will be right there to borrow money.
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