everyday use (1973) alice walker (1944 - ). alice walker
TRANSCRIPT
Everyday Use (1973)Alice Walker (1944 - )
Alice Walker
Alice Walker & Ms.
Discussion QuestionsWhat influence does the Black
Power movement produce on the characters in the story?
In her essay “In Search of Mother’s Garden,” Alice Walker divides black women into three types. Which type does each of the female character in the story fit into?
What is the theme of the story?
BLACK POWER MOVEMENT (1960S-1975)
Aim – black autonomyPolitical and economic self-
sufficiencyFreedom from oppressionRacial dignityBlack community valuesMalcolm X (Nation of Islam) was
the black leader most influential to the development of the movement (assassinated in 1965)
Significant influencePolitical unityEconomic self-help in black communitiesEncouragement of racial pride and self
esteemExploration of ethnic identity and black
consciousnessEmphasis on distinctive black culture, art
and literature - “Black is beautiful.” - celebration of natural blackness in skin,
natural hair styles and traditional African clothing style (vibrant colors, robes, sandals)
Black Nationalism vs. IntegrationismMartin Luther King, Jr. and the
Civil Rights Movement - integration, assimilation and
cooperation - non-violent resistanceMalcolm X and the Black Power
movement - nationalism, separatism - violent defense and retaliation
Black Power influence in “Everyday Use”Dee now appreciates much about her
mother’s house and family utensilsDee and her companion choose African
names, wear African hairstyles and clothes
Dee’s companion adopts Muslim’s diet and way of greeting people
Black stock farmers (beef cattle people) defend their home with rifles against white racist neighbours
- black Muslims (Nation of Islam)
African vibrant dress
THREE FEMALE CHARACTERS
Mama and MaggieThe physically or psychologically
abused black women
DeeThe woman who represses her
past and heritage in order to fulfill her potential
OrThe “new” black woman who can
base her self-realization on the legacy of her maternal ancestors
Mama (1)A hardworking and capable woman and
good motherYETPsychologically oppressed by the
white:“Who can imagine me looking a strange
white man in the eye? It seems to me I have talked to them always with one foot raised in flight, with my head turned in whichever way is farthest from them” (p. 1968).
Mama (2)Socially and culturally denied by the
dominant white cultureAlienated from her daughter Dee by
the society
MaggieSkilful at quiltmakingBut Feeling homely / ugly and ashamed
(with her ugly burn scars) (p.1967)Becoming nervous and ill at ease
when confronted with the stare of the white
Like a lame animal (dog) (p. 1968)A victim of racial prejudice and
oppression
Young DeeClever, witty, quick to learn,
stylish, self-determined, brave, ambitious, vainglorious
Hated almost everything (backward) of her poor family
Tried to assimilate into the mainstream white society
She successfully assimilates into the society by rejecting her family / cultural / ethnic tradition as backward and valueless
Adult DeeNamed after AfricansDressed like AfricansLoves almost everything about
the old shabby house, family hand-made benches, churn top, dasher and the hand-stitched quilts
Plans to use these things as artistic decorations for her house
Three female characters’ attitude toward the family / black heritage
Mother and MaggieCherish the family tradition: keep
memories of ancestors, respect family history, inherit grandma and mama’s quilting skill and love for each other, make tradition a part of everyday life
DeeAppreciating some family handmade
things as artistic works for decorationIndifferent to her family / cultural /
ethnic traditionDee’s success and self-realization is
fulfilled through negation of her family heritage. Now she changes her attitude toward her family tradition, but there is no real recognition of the essential spirit of her family and cultural heritage.
THEME
Recognition of one’s family tradition and cultural heritage lies not in the appreciation of their artistic value but in the real respect and love of the spirit contained in them. Maggie’s putting the quilts to everyday use is just the case in point.
The establishment of cultural (in this case African American) identity and achievement of self-realization should be based on legacy of one’s family / national/ ethnic / cultural ancestors.
Term paper requirementsChoose one or more works
discussed in this class to write a paper of no less than 1,500 words.
The paper is due on June 30.Avoid plagiarism. Plagiarism of
any form will result in failure of the paper. A second instance will result in failure of the course.