Animal Imagery and The Women in Everyday Use
The story "Everyday Use" is written by Alice Walker. "Everyday Use" is narrated by a middle aged black women who has two daughters; Maggie and Dee. Dee is depicted as a smart but ruthless college girl, while Maggie is a sweet but ineffectual homebody. The story frequently discusses animal characteristics that parallel the three female characters; the Mother, Maggie and Dee. The mother as a character is compared to the cow. In the beginning the mother describes herself; "In real life I am a large, big boned woman, with rough man- working hands...my fat keeps me hot in zero weather, I can work outside all day"(149). Later in the story the mother says she use to love milking cows; "Cows are soothing and slow and don't bother you unless you try to milk them the wrong way"(150). In a sense the mother describes her common characteristics. The description of herself vividly parallels the qualities of a cow. She is large, similar to a cow and big boned. The image of rough hands assimilates with a cow being a rougher less fragile animal. The description of her fat that keeps her hot in cold
Works Cited PageAlice Walker. Dee's mother describes her voice;" "Mama", she said, sweet as a bird"(151). Sheep are known to be useful, sharp, active and valued animals, Dee is all of these. Alice Walker has written a meaningful, captivating and unique story. Maggie is the younger sibling who is shy, heavy and lacking self confidence. The fact of the mother being an older black women, could also incorporate that in the days of slave labor black women were perceived as "breeders" like the cow because they were valued in terms of their ability to reproduce. The mother talks about Dee's hair; "It stands straight up like the wool on a sheep"(150). Since animals and humans have lived together and been an integral part of existing for many years, it allows for a better understanding of the characters present in this story. "Everyday Use", in English 024 Course Anthology, 149-152. Dee, Maggie's sister describes Maggie; "Maggie's brain is like an elephant's"(151). The animal imagery of the cow prominently relates to the mother. Dee definitely is beautiful and has a free spirit, always wanting to go somewhere. Dee has not come to that understanding she is therefore "the black sheep". It is through the mother's point of view which permits the readers understanding of all three women. A dog is innocent as is Maggie, obedient and easily influenced, exactly how Maggie is depicted in the story.
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