Analysis of Symbolism in Everyday Use by Alice Walker

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Initially, Alice Walker’s “Everyday Use” appears to be a prototypal narrative that merely details the relationship between three women. After close review, the narrative acquires added meaning through rich symbolism. Walker uses a plethora of clandestine symbolism to demonstrate the importance of heritage to African American culture. Walker cleverly utilizes ordinary items such as a quilt, in addition to the character’s physical qualities and indirect characterizations to demonstrate the contrasting attitudes towards heritage that are prevalent not only in the Johnson family, but in the black community as a whole. Mama, the matriarch of the Johnson family, is introduced as she waits in the yard to receive her eldest daughter, Dee. She reveals that she has taken great measures to ensure the appearance of the yard that she describes as an “extended living room.” For Mama, outside represents freedom. [Walker] Also, since the home is traditionally considered female domain, it can be argued that she has rejected traditional female roles. Whereas a traditional woman would take painstaking measures arranging the inside of the home, Mama is “sensitive to every detail of the yard’s appearance.” [Walker] She even mentions that it is “swept as clean as a floor.” This idea is further supported by Mama’s direct characterization of herself as a “big boned woman” with “man working hands” as she describes the various activities in which she is skilled, all of which take place outside.[Walker] The argument between her daughters that eventually ensues takes place inside the house, thus further solidifying outside as a place of peace. Maggie, Mama’s shy daughter, is glimpsed next. She is described as having scars from a previous fire which has su... ... middle of paper ... ...ge.” 2001. Annina’s Alice Walker Page.Web.19 Sept. 2002 1 Mar.2014 < http://www.luminarium./org/contemporary/ali cew/davidwhte.htm>. Powell, Rachel. “Character Analysis and Symbolism in Alice Walker’s Everyday Use.” Yahoo Contributer Network. N.p., n.d. Web. 1 Mar. 2014. . Publishers, Spark, comp. SparkNotes 101—short Stories. New York, NY: Spark Pub., 2007. Print. Moore, Julie. “Heritage and Symbolism in Alive Walker’s Everyday Use.” Yahoo Contributer Network. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Feb. 2014. . Valaquez, Juan R. “Characterization and Symbolism in Alice Walker’s “Everyday Use”” Characterization and Symbolism in Alice Walker’s “Everyday Use” N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Feb 2014. .

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