Alice Walker's Short Story "Everyday Use"

by Martin Eder

Seminar paper from the year 2011 in the subject Didactics - English - Pedagogy, Literature Studies, 2,0, University of Passau, English, This term paper provides the concept of a teaching unit concerning the short story Everyday Use by Alice Walker. Apart from the different analyses there should also be given an overview of recommendations and possibilities that could be used for creating a teaching unit.

Everyday Use was published in 1973 and is basically about a black mother and her two daughters. Whereas one daughter, Dee, had the possibility to go to school and visit college, Maggie, the younger daughter, still lives with her mother and did not enjoy higher education. One day, Dee, who is accompanied by her boyfriend, visits her mother and her sister at her old home. As the story continues it becomes clear that obvious differences have developed between the opinions of Dee and her mother alternatively her sister.

Genres: Short Stories, Classics

26 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 22, 2014

Reviews

[Nilguen · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Everyday use" is a multi-layered short story by Alice Walker that addresses the identity clash in an African-American family (mother and two daughters). It´s the 1960´s when the power of Nation of Islam is rising and young African-Americans are instilled with wisdom and confidence shared by Malcolm X. It´s the 1960´s when the young generation confront their elders to break free from oppression. But it´s also the 1960´s, where the elders may actually not feel oppressed but own their heritage.

This short story could make us jump at conclusions judging Dee, who´s adopted an African name (now Wangero), who confronts her sister Maggie and her mother that they need to adapt to the new movement of African-Americans. Whether right or wrong, Dee is trying to find her identity and her place in society. And so are her mother and her sister. However, everyone at their own pace and their own way.

Loved every perspective of this shot story.

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[Mikayla Beckman · Rating 2 out of 5]

First of all, I feel kinda honored to be the first person to rate and review this book. Second of all, I did not read the kindle edition, I read the PDF edition. And third of all, I did not read this voluntarily, I read it for AP Lit.

That being said, it was alright for being a short story I had to read on a computer for a class. I didn't find myself super bored, in fact I actually found myself mildly intrigued. However, it wasn't ground breaking or profound or memorable, hence the two star rating. One of the aspects that intrigued me was the complex and interesting dynamic between Maggie, Dee, and the mom. I feel like that could be analyzed at a great extent and it probably will be considering I read this for a class. Alice Walker is a beautiful beautiful writer and I would be interested in reading some of her actual books in the future.

[shivani n · Rating 3 out of 5]

finally finished my last story for ap lit summer homework!!!

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely piece on the experience of motherhood and the generational conflict between past and present black heritage, identity and respect.

[Em · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read for my Survey of U.S. Literature class

[Celia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really dislike dee, she attempts to show off her heritage instead of living in it. maggie actually knows the history. love the mom's reaction at the end.