Conflict: Literary Device in “Everyday Use”
The fundamental conflict as a Literary Device in “Everyday Use” as a clash between poverty and the practicality of everyday use versus the desire to preserve objects for their cultural and historical significance. Maggie tends to hold onto items for their practical utility in daily life, as she lacks access to many resources and needs these items for her basic needs. Conversely, Dee, who enjoys a higher socioeconomic status due to her education and marriage, sees these objects primarily as symbols of her African heritage and wishes to preserve them for their cultural value rather than use them. Essentially, the conflict revolves around the quest for identity, with the mother, Maggie, and Dee each seeking to uphold their respective identities through their attitudes towards the family’s possessions.
Tone: Literary Device in “Everyday Use”
The tone of the story is characterized by a pervasive irony, particularly evident in the perspective of Dee, now known as Wangero. Dee’s newfound independence and authority, achieved solely through the stroke of luck of receiving an education, are juxtaposed with her desire to reclaim her familial heritage and cultural identity. The author employs Dee’s character and language to convey this irony, highlighting the contradictions inherent in her transformation and her attempt to reconcile her past with her present.
Point of View: Literary Device in “Everyday Use”
The story is narrated from the perspective of the mother, conveyed through her monologues and dialogues with her daughters. This point of view offers insight into the mother’s feelings of insult and diminishment, as she grapples with her daughters’ differing attitudes towards their familial heritage. Had the narrative been told from Dee’s point of view, the portrayal may have been different, as Dee does not share the same emotional connection to her upbringing and the objects that hold significance for her mother and sister Maggie.
Narrator: Literary Device in “Everyday Use”
The narrator, who is the mother in the story, expresses a complex mix of emotions towards her daughters and their attitudes towards their familial heritage. She acknowledges Dee’s achievements and success in “making it,” yet feels a sense of irony and frustration at Dee’s insistence on preserving objects as relics of the past rather than utilizing them for practical purposes, as Maggie does. The narrator’s perspective provides insight into her conflicting feelings of pride and bewilderment, particularly in her characterization of Maggie as “backward,” a term that highlights the mother’s struggle to reconcile Dee’s aspirations with Maggie’s more grounded approach to life. Through the narrator’s voice, the reader gains a nuanced understanding of the tensions within the family and the mother’s attempts to navigate her daughters’ differing perspectives on their shared history and heritage.
Dee’s Attitude: Literary Device in “Everyday Use”
Dee’s attitude towards her mother and sister Maggie is characterized by a sense of superiority and condescension. She views their lifestyle and the objects they use in their daily lives as mere relics of their heritage, dismissing them as ordinary and insignificant. However, Dee simultaneously regards these same items, such as hats, quilts, dasher, and butter tops, as valuable artifacts worthy of preservation. This contradiction in Dee’s attitude highlights her disconnect from her family’s lived experiences and underscores her misguided perception of cultural authenticity and significance. Through Dee’s perspective, the reader gains insight into the complexities of identity and heritage in the context of familial relationships and societal expectations.
Title: Literary Device in “Everyday Use”
The title “Everyday Use” is rich with layered meanings that reflect the central themes of the story. It carries a sense of irony, particularly for urban or educated individuals who view rural lifestyles and traditions as quaint relics of the past to be preserved for their cultural value. However, the title also suggests a deeper significance, highlighting the everyday significance and practicality of the objects and traditions that are often overlooked or dismissed by those outside of the rural community. Through this juxtaposition, the title underscores the complexity of cultural identity and heritage, challenging the notion that certain ways of life are merely artifacts to be preserved rather than integral components of everyday existence.
Writer: Literary Device in “Everyday Use”
The writer’s perspective and background play a crucial role in shaping the portrayal of the family dynamics, living conditions, and the challenges faced by African Americans in “Everyday Use.” The narrative reflects the historical context of racial discrimination and oppression, highlighting the marginalized status of African American communities. Through the characters’ experiences and interactions, the writer underscores the pervasive effects of systemic racism and the enduring struggle for cultural identity and self-expression. Dee’s desire to change her name and distance herself from her heritage serves as a poignant commentary on the internalized racism and cultural dissonance experienced by some African Americans. By infusing the story with elements of social commentary and historical context, the writer deepens the reader’s understanding of the complexities of race, identity, and heritage in America.
Works Cited
Walker, Alice. Everyday use. Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic, 2004.
Relevant Questions about Literary Device in “Everyday Use”
- How does Alice Walker employ symbolism, particularly through the use of quilts and other objects, to convey themes of heritage, identity, and cultural preservation in “Everyday Use” and demonstrate her adeptness with Literary Device in “Everyday Use”?
- What role does narrative perspective play in shaping the reader’s understanding of the characters and their relationships in “Everyday Use,” and how does Alice Walker’s choice of perspective contribute to the development of the story’s themes and demonstrate her command of Literary Device in “Everyday Use”?
- In “Everyday Use,” how does Alice Walker utilize irony and characterization to explore the complexities of familial bonds and differing interpretations of cultural heritage within the African American community, showcasing her mastery of Literary Device in “Everyday Use”?
