Every Day Use essays

Every Day Use essays In Alice Walkers story Everyday Use the two sisters, Maggie and Dee are foils or opposites. They have nothing in common except that they have the same mother. They have many opposite characteristics through out the story and one major opposing viewpoint that contributes to the meaning of this story and its theme. The central theme of the story concerns the way in which an individual understands his present life in relation to the traditions of his people and culture. Dee tells her mother and Maggie that they do not understand their "heritage," because they plan to put "priceless" heirloom quilts to "everyday use." The story makes clear that Dee is equally confused about the nature of her inheritance both from her immediate family and from the larger black tradition. The two opposite beliefs of the sisters teach a valuable lesson about family and heritage and how it should be considered. There are many factors leading to Maggie and Dee being foils. One way they are opposite is that Maggie is younger than Dee and is shy and timid whereas Dee can look anyone in the eye and talk to them, meaning she is very outgoing and not quiet. For example, when Dee arrives at the house, Maggie tries to hide behind her mother and does not speak because she is scared of even her own sister. It also says that Maggie is not very articulate, whereas Dee is very bright. In the story where Mrs. Johnson says She used to read to us without pity; forcing words, lies, other folks habits, whole lives upon us two sitting trapped and ignorant underneath her voice (1556). Also, Maggie only has a high school education compared to Dees college education. When Mrs. Johnson says, Maggie sometimes reads to me. She stumbles along good-naturedly but cant see well. She knows she is not bright. Like good looks and money, quickness passed her by (1557). She knows that Maggie and Dee are nothing alike, but tends to love th...