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.