Alice Walker

“Everyday Use” is found in Alice Walker’s collection of short stories book,

In Love and In Trouble, which was published in 1973. Alice Walker has gone through many difficulties in life that influenced her views about herself as well as the views of everything that surrounded her. These difficulties molded her and created the writer that readers enjoy today. Walker’s own struggles seem to be reflected within this novel. Not necessarily the same one’s as the characters in her book but life experiences that she has encountered along the way. The central theme of the story is the way in which family members of the same, African American family cherished their heritage. Mama’s family for instance, struggles to understand their present life’s relationship to the traditions of their culture. Using careful descriptions and attitudes, Walker demonstrates factors, which contribute to the values of one’s heritage and culture. In “Everyday Use”, it is almost as if Alice Walker compels her reader to understand the importance of African American traditions and culture. Using symbolism to provoke her readers to look deeper into the story.

To many Southerners, home is the place where the family

. . .
Taking it all in like a soap opera, remembering every little detail. Through Dee’s character one is allowed to perceive the wicked effect of this egotistical world. This helped you the reader to see a stand has been made for what’s right. Instead the mother and Maggie are now at peace after this visit, as the story states the two of them sat enjoying the rest of the day all because she stood for what she believed. Mama explains the no nonsense; hit you in the face, truth about herself and her daughters. This allowed you to see Maggie’s knowledge of her families past. Maggie is also accustomed to being pushed aside. Now Dee on the other hand is the awkward individual, who actually watched the old house burn down to the ground without any remorse. In the end the increased tension that you can clearly see in the beginning of the story as they waited for Dee’s visit has been demolished. In “Everyday Use”, Walker portrays the importance of home through a family of three women in South. She is an unrealistic character, which Walker uses to warn people of what could happen if they do not pay attention to their history. This story is told through the eyes of Mama. Maggie is the daughter who actually listened to the stories of her ancestors and learned the customs and traditions of her people. So, by her mother taking a stand for herself and Maggie and snatching the two quilts from Dee’s hands and giving them to Maggie this is a turning point in their lives.

Common topics in this essay:
Aunt Dees, Black Power, Walker Mama, African American, Alice Walker, Black Americans, Dee Dee, Mama Self, Everyday Walker, Leewanika Kemanjo, alice walker, home family, ones heritage, culture using, black power, traditions culture using, traditions culture, dee dee, african american,

Approximate Word count = 1004
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)

Already a member? Click here