University:
Georgia Southern University
Course:
ENGL 2111 | World Literature I
Academic year:

2020
Views:

70

Pages:

1
Author:

Hallie Randolph

“Everyday Use” by Alice Walker The theme of the story is the scars from the past. Dee has personal scars left by the house fire amd her living conditions in the past. She seems to run away from her family to escape the part of her life she despises. Maggie has scars from the house fire which can explain her personality and actions. Also, education is important in the story. The importance of education keeps coming up throughout the story. Dee stresses education and knows its importance all throughout her life. The story was told through Mama’s point of view. There is internal and external conflict in the story. The external conflict is when Mama won’t give the quilts to Dee. The internal conflict is when Mama was deciding whether or not to let Dee have the quilts. The symbol of the story is the quilt. It symbolizes family culture and heritage. The quilts have sentimental value for Mama, while they are artifacts for Dee. Dee expects to get the quilt, but her mother tells her no because she never gets to tell her no. Maggie appears to know and care more about the family’s past while Dee cares about herself, not thinking of others. People should value their family rather than the materialistic things that represent their family. When Dee comes into the story, the tone shifts a little. The story is not in Mama’s head and memories as deeply anymore. The story transitions to telling about her and Dee’s interaction.