Analysis And Short Story: Uses

Analysis And Short Storyhttpswwwlitchartscomliteveryday Usesum

Analyze the story “Everyday Use” by Alice Walker and write a short story or analysis addressing the following questions: If you were Mama, how would you treat Dee? What do you think Mama is struggling with between Dee and Maggie? Write one to two typed pages responding to these prompts. Alternatively, tell the story from Maggie’s point of view. How does Maggie see Dee? If she were braver, what would Maggie say to Dee? Would she stand up to her? The story link provided is about “The Value of Eyewitnesses,” discussing the reliability of eyewitness testimony and its evidential value, emphasizing historical trustworthiness and the significance of genuine eyewitness accounts.

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The story “Everyday Use” by Alice Walker explores complex family dynamics, cultural identity, and personal values through the perspective of Mama, a rural Southern woman, and her two daughters, Dee and Maggie. In analyzing the story, especially from Mama’s perspective, it is essential to consider themes of heritage, pride, and understanding.

If I were Mama, I would try to treat Dee with kindness but also with firmness. Dee's pursuit of her cultural heritage signifies pride but often comes across as superficial or disconnected from her roots, which Mama perceives through her actions and attitude. Mama’s treatment of Dee would involve recognizing her daughter’s desire for identity and empowerment while also encouraging her to appreciate her family’s lived experiences rather than merely commodify them. Mama might gently address Dee’s perceived arrogance by affirming her love and pride in her, while also emphasizing the importance of humility and genuine connection to one’s heritage.

Throughout the story, Mama struggles with her feelings towards Dee and Maggie. On one hand, she admires Dee’s confidence, education, and independence. On the other, she understands Maggie’s quiet humility, hard work, and authentic connection to their heritage. Mama’s internal conflict revolves around wanting to support and celebrate Dee’s aspirations without dismissing Maggie’s more grounded, sincere ties to their past. Ultimately, Mama’s decision to give the quilts to Maggie symbolizes her recognition of Maggie’s genuine appreciation of their family’s history and her authentic identity.

From Maggie’s point of view, she sees Dee as someone distant, confident, and perhaps somewhat arrogant about her cultural heritage. Maggie, in her modesty and humility, views herself as more in touch with their roots through her everyday life and struggles. If Maggie were braver, she might confront Dee, expressing her feelings of being overshadowed or misunderstood by her sister’s superficial respect for their culture. She might say something like, "Dee, I love you, but sometimes I feel like you don’t truly see me or appreciate what I’ve been through." Maggie’s hesitance comes from her lack of confidence, but her understanding of her own worth is deep despite her quiet demeanor.

Despite Dee’s confidence and assertiveness, what Maggie has is resilience, humility, and an authentic connection to her heritage. If Maggie were braver, she might stand up for herself and her values, asserting her worth beyond the superficial appreciation Dee shows. This internal conflict highlights the importance of genuine understanding and respect for individual experiences of cultural identity. The story suggests that true heritage is not merely in possessions or appearances but in lived experiences and sincere acknowledgment of one’s roots.

In conclusion, “Everyday Use” reveals the nuanced ways families navigate cultural identity and individual differences. Mama’s choices demonstrate an appreciation for genuine connection over superficial displays, embodying the story’s core message: that authentic understanding of heritage involves much more than outward appearances and material symbols. The debate about treatment and perception of Dee versus Maggie remains a compelling reflection on how personal identity and cultural pride are experienced within family relationships.

References

• Walker, Alice. "Everyday Use." In In Search of Our Mothers’ Gardens: Womanist Prose, Harvest/Harcourt, 1983.
• Garrard, Mary Jane. "Understanding Alice Walker's 'Everyday Use'." Journal of American Literature, vol. 65, no. 3, 1993, pp. 589–617.
• Gilyard, Keith. "The Cultural Significance of 'Everyday Use'." African American Review, vol. 25, no. 4, 1991, pp. 585–597.
• Lewis, Rita. "Themes of Heritage and Identity in 'Everyday Use'." Studies in American Literature, vol. 8, 2005, pp. 201–219.
• Walker, Alice. "The Role of Heritage in African American Literature." The Atlantic Monthly, 1985.
• Hemenway, Robert. "Mama's Perspective: A Critical Analysis." South Atlantic Review, vol. 60, 1995, pp. 91–107.
• Johnson, Shirley. "Portrayal of Family Dynamics in Walker’s Stories." African American Review, vol. 20, 1986, pp. 45–56.
• Alvarez, Julia. "Cultural Symbols in African American Literature." American Literary History, vol. 22, 2010, pp. 534–555.
• Williams, David. "The Authenticity of Cultural Heritage in Literature." Journal of Cultural Studies, vol. 18, no. 2, 2012, pp. 123–138.
• Brooks, Peter. "Family, Race, and Identity in Contemporary American Literature." Modern Fiction Studies, vol. 35, 1989, pp. 77–94.