Mama And Maggie Alice Walker Essay - 674 words

Everyday Use: A Family's Disparities Alice Walker includes three major Characters in her short story Everyday Use; Mama and her two daughters Dee and Maggie. The three have extremely different personalities and characteristics especially Dee. Dee leaves her mother and her sister to experiences a better life in college in the city. Meanwhile mama and Maggie elatedly carry out their usual tasks and every day chores.


Later Dee decides to visit her family for her selfish intention of taking objects from her mother to decorate her apartment according to her new culture. Walker uses mama to indicate the immense differences between Dee, Maggie, and herself. Mama describes Dee as a young, beautiful girl who wanted nice things. (281). Dees education, pretty face, and cute body impress most people. Intimidated by Dee, many people concede to Dees wishes because they know she will in win the end. For example, when Maggie tells mama that Dee can have the quilts, Maggie has no hope of winning, so she simply does not try to beat her older sister.


Even Mama wished to look a certain way to please Dee; a hundred pounds lighter, my skin like an uncooked barley cake (281). The selfish Dee never satisfied even after moving to the city, came back to visit mama and Maggie only to acquire objects that she believes should be used for decoration rather that to be put to everyday use. The best instance of her selfishness, when she wanted to take the quilt, displays her materialistic attitude. Having everything her sister desire; she still wants to take one of the few things set-aside especially for her. Throughout the story, Dee never indicates any sign of gratitude toward her mother or her sister.


Unattractive and uneducated, Maggie lives contently with her life style. Unlike Dee Maggie does not wish for better things as long as she has the basic needs ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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Essay Tags: mama and maggie, maggie, alice walker, mama, dee

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