Theme Analysis: Everyday Use by Walker

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 The Divisively Nature of Education

One of the major themes that is used by Walker in the story “Everyday Use” is the

divisive nature of education. Through the story, the writer has illustrated ways through which

education, instead of uniting the family and divide them and create a large rift between members

of the same family. Mama struggled to make sure that Dee got education as much as her, Mama,

did not receive any form or education (Walker, 2004). Their school was closed and nobody cared

to open it. Dee had an opportunity to go to school and education made her to intimidate other

members of the family as can be seen with the new greetings she is introducing to her mum even

if she does not understand. The intimidation has created a wedge between Dee and the rest of the

family members. Due to the knowledge that Dee has acquired and her worldliness, she is

becoming a threat to the simple world that Mama and Maggie are leaving in and she seems to be

lording her knowledge over her family. An example from the story, “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. She washed us in a river of make-believe, burned us with a lot of

knowledge we didn’t necessarily need to know.” This shows the rift which existed between Dee

and the rest of the family members.

The inclusion of this theme has made the story to be more powerful and readers will

always be attracted to getting more about the story. As an individual, reading about this has not

affected me in any way since it encourages me to understand more about human nature.
 Reference
Walker, A. (2004). Everyday use. Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic.