“Everyday Use” by Alice Walker Essay
Introduction, works cited.
“Everyday use” by Alice Walker is a fictional story analyzed years over, in academic and professional circles from an initial collection of In live and trouble (Donnelly 124). The story is narrated from a first person point of view (by a single mother, Mrs. Johnson) and dwells on the perception of two sisters regarding cultural artifacts (Wangero). Maggie has a shy personality but Dee is a representation of a pretentious native African identity.
Throughout the story, Walker develops a deep criticism of postmodern ideals through symbolism, with the story’s meaning going deeper than the surface analysis, because even the title “Everyday Use” is a representation of whether cultural heritage should be preserved and used on an everyday basis or not.
The quilt is especially mentioned as a representation of culture and heritage, especially when Dee wants to hang the quilts: she has essentially removed the artifacts from their everyday contextual meaning and creates some form of symbolic representation of the quilts.
This study therefore identifies there points; in that, Walker seeks to convey the principle that art is a living and breathing part of its origin, a significant cultural possession, and a critique of the postmodern treatment of cultural art.
The story asserts that art should be valued in the context of its cultural and heritage origin. The quilt is strategically used in the story as a representation of cultural art and its existence has a rich cultural significance. The quilt is later depicted as inseparable from its culture because the historical trace of the quilt essentially represents the history of the Johnson family. Walker specifically says “In both of them were scraps of dresses Grandma Dee had worn fifty and more years ago.
Bits and pieces of Grandpa Jarrell’s Paisley shirts and one teeny faded blue piece, that was from Great Grandpa Ezra’s uniform that he wore in the Civil War” (563). This shows that not only do the quilts represent the heirloom of the family, but they are a core factor in the family’s identity. The gist of this symbolism is that, not only is the quilt a representation of the Johnson culture but also an inseparable element from the culture itself.
How Mrs. Johnson treats the quilts shows that cultural artifacts should be treated as a significant cultural possession. Dee on the other hand views the quilts as financially and aesthetically valuable. When Dee realizes her mother intended to give them to Maggie; she exclaims that they were priceless.
Dee further adds that Maggie has the capability of wearing them everyday, something that she did not think was right for the quilts; implying that she viewed the quilts as an object instead of an item that should be used on a daily basis. Some sense of individualism is also noted from Maggie’s perception of the quilt, RO because in her opinion, the quilts bore some form of personal and emotional significance, which became clear when she said, “I can member Grandma Dee without the quilts” (Walker 564).
Maggie therefore implies that she perceives the quilt from its deep family connection. Moreover, she understood the fact that the quilts ought to “stay alive”, generations on end, through continuous renewal. Walker even points out that “Maggie knows how to quilt” (Walker 564), implying that she had the cultural significance of the quilts at heart.
The representation of the two sisters’ attitudes and perceptions of the quilts is a critique of the postmodern treatment of ancient artifacts and the way cultural art is treated in today’s society. Essentially, Dee’s perception of art for its monetary value represents the postmodern view of art while Maggie’s perception of the quilt for its personal significance is a representation of the contemporary view of art.
The author however does not leave us a in a huge dilemma of which perception is right because Mrs. Johnson snatches the quilts from Dee and gives them to Maggie thereby depicting the contemporary view of art as the right perception.
Walker’s literary piece is a good example of an educational piece that reflects the current perception of art, especially thriving in today’s commercially, oriented world. Basically art in its right form should be kept alive through generations on end in everyday use. This literally, “can be perceived”, through the short story, but should be perceived in a symbolic manner as a facet of conventional art (Factstaff 3).
Walker therefore shows that the true significance and meaning of art that can only be traced back to the culture or the root it came from. This is contrary to postmodern use of ancient artifacts as an object to be observed, by future generations, as Dee tries to express. Walker therefore shows that cultural artifacts should be used as a significant cultural possession, and be kept alive through generations.
Moreover, she didn’t write the piece with the intention of being microscopically analyzed, or to be quantified monetarily; her literary piece, despite being written in past decades, was meant to be explored, investigated, questioned and even debated by today’s commercially driven society where culture is slowly fading away and postmodern values are quickly catching up (Factstaff 4). In summary, the author says that cultural artifacts with a special reference to the quilt should be put into everyday use.
Donnelly, Mary. Alice Walker: The Color Purple and Other Works . New York: Marshall Cavendish, 2009. Print.
Factstaff. Quilts and Art in “Everyday Use” . 23 February. 2010. Web.
Walker, Alice. “Everyday Use.” New Jersey: Rutgers University Press, 1994. Print.
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Essays on Everyday Use
Welcome to our collection of essay samples on the theme of "Everyday Use." This topic explores the significance of everyday objects and cultural heritage, as well as how we perceive and utilize them in our daily lives. By examining this theme, you can gain a deeper understanding of the values and traditions that shape our identities.
Understanding the Theme
The "Everyday Use" theme is rich with meaning. It delves into how items we often take for granted can hold deep personal or cultural significance. The way characters interact with these items reveals their backgrounds, beliefs, and even conflicts within families. In Alice Walker's short story "Everyday Use," for example, we see how different perspectives on heritage can lead to misunderstandings among family members.
Choosing an Essay Sample
When you browse through our selection of essay samples focused on "Everyday Use," look for pieces that resonate with you. Consider what aspects of the theme intrigue you most—whether it's about family dynamics, cultural identity, or the value placed on everyday objects. Each sample presents a unique viewpoint that can inspire your own writing.
Writing Your Own Essay
If you're ready to write your own essay based on one of our samples, here are some steps to guide you:
- Read Thoroughly: Take your time to read through several samples carefully. Pay attention to their structure and arguments.
- Take Notes: Jot down key points or ideas that stand out to you. What do you agree with? What challenges your thinking?
- Create an Outline: Before diving into writing, outline your main points. Decide what angle you'll take regarding the theme.
- Your Unique Voice: While it’s good to be inspired by examples, make sure your essay reflects your thoughts and style.
- Edit & Revise: After writing your first draft, don’t forget to revise it! Look for clarity in your arguments and check grammar and punctuation.
Tips for Success
Your essay doesn't have to be perfect from the get-go! Start with brainstorming ideas about “Everyday Use” that are meaningful to you personally. Think about instances in your life where everyday items play significant roles—this could spark interesting narratives!
If you're feeling stuck at any point during this process, revisit our sample essays again; they might just give you that nudge in creativity! Remember that writing is a journey; each draft gets you closer to conveying exactly what you want.
Your Perspective Matters
No one has lived your experiences except for you! Infuse personal anecdotes or reflections related to “Everyday Use” into your essay—it will not only make it unique but also relatable.
This is all about exploring the connections between objects we use every day and our identities—they’re more intertwined than we often realize! So dive into our essays today and start crafting something amazing!
The Relationships Between Mothers and Daughters in Everyday Use
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Short Story "Everyday Use": Character Analysis
"everyday use" by alice walker: summary, author's craft on "everyday use" by alice walker, alice walker's 'everyday use': exploring social conflicts, let us write you an essay from scratch.
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The Values of Culture and Heritage in Everyday Use by Alice Walker
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Alice Walker
Short story
Dee, Mama, Maggie, Hakim-a-barber
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Everyday Use Essay | Essay on Everyday Use for Students and Children in English
October 21, 2024 by Prasanna
Everyday Use Essay: A short story written by Alice Walker, Everyday Use revolves around the theme of culture, heritage and consciousness of the same. It was published in 1973 for the first time.
The short story is told in a narrative form in a first-person voice. The three main characters of the story are Mama, Dee and Maggie. Mama is an African-American woman who is the narrator of the story.
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Long and Short Essays on Everyday Use for Students and Kids in English
We are providing a long essay on Everyday Use of 500 words and a short essay of 150 words on the same topic along with ten lines about the topic to help readers.
Long Essay on Everyday Use 500 Words in English
Long Essay on Everyday Use is usually given to classes 7, 8, 9, and 10.
Everyday Use is a short story authored by Alice Walker. It was published for the first time in 1973, as a chapter of Walker’s short story collection Love and Trouble. The story of Everyday Use revolves around the themes of acknowledgement of one’s culture, heritage and tradition and their proud acceptance. The story can be categorized as a narrative through conflict resolution. Various interpretations of the short stories are presented and studied. Everyday Use is a widely studied piece of literature to imbibe moral principles.
Everyday Use is the story of a mother who struggles to maintain a coherent relationship with and between her daughters. The story is recited in the first person. The readers perceive the story through Mama, the mother. The mother is an African- American woman, who has two daughters, Dee and Maggie. Both of her daughters are contrary in nature and morality. The story is majorly focused on the acknowledgement of one’s own culture and heritage. In Everyday Use, Alice Walker uses symbolic settings to portray the vitality of upholding and respecting the true value of African-American culture.
The story begins with Mama waiting in her yard for Dee to come home. Mama is also worried about her youngest daughter, Maggie, because she feels anxious around Dee. The difference in physical and emotional characters between Dee and Maggie becomes a reason for Mama’s worry. The readers are introduced about Maggie and her scars, that was caused to her a long time ago when their house caught fire. Maggie is reflected as a timid, weak girl with unattractive physical properties. In contrast, Dee is a tall and handsome girl with nice hairs. Dee is very well educated and an independent woman who is also a member of the Black Nationalists. Dee’s dominant personality and moral deeds make Maggie anxious because, while Mama carried Maggie out of the burning house, Dee kept smiling at the fire and felt happy about it.
Dee educates herself and becomes independent. She sometimes visits her Mama and Maggie, but her moral principles often lead to arguments. The visit introduced to the readers has one such argument as the interpreted solution to the disparity created. Dee brings home her mate, Hakim to her Mama’s house. While going to bed, she asks for an extra quilt and Mama denies it, saying she promised it to Maggie for everyday Use. This leads to an argument between Mama and Dee. Quit here is one of the symbols of everyday Use. The defining of quilts can be noticed as the introduction of heritage and history behind it. Dee argues for the quilts to be adorned because of their cultural heritage, but Mama argues that it must be appreciated and used. Mama and Maggie share similar views of respect towards their cultural, whereas Dee has a different perspective towards preserving culture and tradition.
Everyday Use is a conflict between two perspectives of valuing a culture of African-American society. The usage of everyday Use African-American household things are the symbols that paint the picture for the readers.
Short Essay on Everyday Use 150 Words in English
Short Essay on Everyday Use is usually given to classes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6.
Everyday Use is a short story authored by Alice Walker. It was published in 1973 as a part of the short story collection In Love and Trouble. The central theme of the short story is consciousness and perceiving about one’s own culture.
The story revolves around three characters, Mama, Dee and Maggie. The narration is in first-person voice portrayed by Mama. Dee and Maggie are daughters of an African-American woman (Mama) who have different approaches to culture and heritage.
The story begins with Mama waiting for Dee to visit them and ends with Dee leaving Mama’s house. In the plot, various symbols are used to explain the cultural and heritage importance of everyday Use things of the African-American society.
One of these symbolic materials contributes to a conflict between Mama and Dee. The conflict further presents a different point of views on how the African-American culture must be preserved and appreciated by the generations. There are various interpretations of the story and its morals.
10 Lines on Everyday Use in English
- Everyday Use is a widely studied literary piece.
- Alice Walker writes everyday Use.
- The short story was first published in 1973 in the short story collection In Love and Trouble.
- The story is based on an African-American family residing in the 1800s.
- Everyday Use is based on the theme of consciousness towards their own’s culture and heritage.
- Everyday Use is narrated in a first-person voice.
- The three main characters of the story are Mama, Dee and Maggie.
- The readers read the story standing at the place of Mama, the mother.
- The use of symbols has painted quite a picture of the African-American culture.
- The conflicts in views cause the disparity and end to an open, interpreted ending.
FAQ’s on Everyday Use Essay
Question 1. What is the main theme of Everyday Use?
Answer: Everyday Use talks about the treasuring and respect of cultural symbols of the African-American society. It reflects the consciousness one needs to possess towards his/her own culture. The dilemma of optimistic or pessimistic perspective is subject to interpretations.
Question 2. Are looks and physical attributes given priority in everyday Use?
Answer: Everyday Use uses physical attributes to symbolize the difference in nature and upbringing. Using physical attributes, the writer wants the readers to understand that both her daughters are very different from each other and herself.
Question 3. What are the symbols used in Everyday Use?
Answer: The Symbols used in Everyday Use are benches, butter churn and dash and the quilt. All these everyday use materials are used as a symbol to represent the significance of cultural and heritage of an African-American family. The story deals with the interpretation of how the culture must be respected.
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Rhetorical Analysis of Everyday Use by Alice Walker
- Category: Literature
- Topic: Alice Walker , Everyday Use
Pages: 3 (1311 words)
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Works Cited
- Walker, Alice, and Barbara Christian. Everyday Use. New Brunswick, N.J: Rutgers University Press, 1994. Print
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