Everyday Use

by Alice Walker

Beginning the Story

1. The narrator offhandedly describes places and incidents, but the descriptions reveal a great
deal about the setting and characters. For instance, the yard has a hard clay surface, without
grass, like some poor, rural districts and unlike affluent suburban areas. How does the
description of the yard show that the narrator and Maggie like and appreciate their home,
humble as it may be?

2. Mama, the narrator, has a dream about herself on a television show that celebrates Dee's
success in life. What happens in the dream?

3. Mama offers two descriptions of herself. In one she is big-boned and rough, capable of
butchering large farm animals; in the other she weighs a hundred pounds less, has lighter skin
and brighter hair, and speaks with wit. Why does she offer both descriptions?

4. She describes Maggie walking like a lame animal What does this description tell you about
Maggie's personality?

5. Mama recalls Dee's feelings when the family house burns and when she goes away to school.
What does Mama say were Dee's goals?
6. Mama talks of her own lack of education and says Maggie "knows she is not bright." What
impression does Mama have of the way Dee once read stories to her and Maggie?

7. Mama's narration reflects her style of talking. For example, she refers to her race as colored,
just as many blacks of her time did. (She went to school until 1927.) She makes straightforward
remarks without trying to make the narrative formal. Does this matter-of-fact style make the
story's point of view more or less trustworthy to readers, in your opinion? Why?

Continuing the Story: Read the rest of the story, noting the way Maggie, Dee, and the
young man are portrayed, from her mother's down-to-earth point of view. Use these
questions as a guide.

8. Mama tells how the characters (including herself) appear at many points in the story, and she
offers few judgments of Dee. What do Dee's Bantu-language greeting (though she is an
American from Georgia) and long dress ("in this hot weather") tell you about her attitude
toward her own upbringing and background?

9. Dee and her friend have adopted new names, expressions, hair styles, and clothing to show
their interest in aspects of their African heritage. What irony exists in Dee's, or Wangero's,
reason for rejecting her original name?

10. How does. Mama show that she respects her daughter's decision to change her name?
11. What household items are Dee interested in taking with her?

12. Mama has promised the-quilts to Maggie. When Dee asks for them, Maggie drops
something in the kitchen and then slams the door. Why does Maggie then say that Dee can take
the quilts?

13. What is the meaning of the expression everyday use?

14. Wbat use does Dee want to make of the quilts?

15. What decision does Mama make about the quilts? Why do you think she does so?
Thinking About the Story

16. Does Maggie change at all, late in the story? Explain.

17. In your opinion, would everyday use ruin the quilts, as Dee suggests? Why or why not?
ANSWER KEY

1. They clean up and sweep the yard, decorate its edges, and feel it extends the house, as
another
room would.

2. Mama is ushered into a bright room where she greets a man like Johnny Carson, who praises
Dee, and Dee comes on stage and embraces Mama, pinning a large orchid on Mama's dress.

3. The first is her frank, real description, and the second shows her in her dream, as Dee would
like her.

4. She is timid, unassertive, and nervous.

5. She wanted nice things such as clothes, an education, and perhaps to educate Mama and
Maggie.

6. Dee read with no pity, "forcing words, lies," and make-believe on the two, yet shoving them
away from understanding.

7. Most students probably will feel that Mama's narration is more trustworthy due to her
unpretentious style.

8. By adopting fashions foreign to her background, she reveals shame or embarrassment about
her upbringing.

9. She says she could not bear being named after oppressors, but actually she is named after her
own people (her aunt and other ancestors).

10. She agrees to call Dee "Wangero,"even when Dee tells her she doesn't have to.

11. the butter-churn top, the dasher, and two quilts

12. Maggie is accustomed to giving in to Dee's wishes, and she says she can remember
Grandma
without the quilts.

13. using something practically, for its designed purpose, regularly

14. She wants to hang them on walls as folk art.

15. She gives them to Maggie; she wants Maggie not to suffer defeat and may prefer everyday
use to artificial display

16. she changes subtly, gaining confidence due to her small victory, as her smile shows.
17. Some students may feel that the quilts are best used as quilts, even if they suffer wear;
others may say that Dee is right to try to preserve and celebrate authentic craftwork.
Thank you for choosing to use this with your students. I truly
hope it helps them gain a deeper understanding of the story.

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