ENG 101 Alice Walker "everyday use"

Full Answer Section

4. Hakim-a-barber vs. John Thomas:

• Compare and contrast their personalities and roles in the story.
• Consider how they represent different perspectives on tradition and progress.

5. The Quilts and Their Symbolism:

• Research the history and significance of quilts in African American culture.
• Analyze how the quilts serve as symbols within the story, considering their value, creation, and potential interpretations.

6. Mother's Epiphany:

• Identify the specific moment when the mother experiences her epiphany.
• Analyze what she realizes about herself, Dee, and Maggie.

7. Dee's "New Day" and its Implications:

• Explain Dee's meaning of a "new day" and its potential impact on Maggie and Mama.
• Consider whether this new day would require sacrifices and if they are willing to make them.

8. Reader Identification and Dee's Character:

• Reflect on why the reader might not identify with Dee or sympathize with her.
• Analyze the narrator's role and its influence on the reader's perspective.
• Discuss whether Dee is entirely unlikable and if her shortcomings are common for progress.
• Explore the potential value of Mama and Maggie's lack of desire to change.

Additional Tips:

• Support your arguments with textual evidence and specific examples from the story.
• Avoid making subjective statements without justification.
• Engage with different interpretations and perspectives critically.
• Formulate your own conclusions based on your analysis.

Remember, the goal is not to get the "right" answers but to engage with the text critically, develop your own interpretations, and learn from the story's complexities. By following these guidelines and utilizing your analytical skills, you can write insightful and well-supported responses to the discussion questions.

Sample Solution

I understand that you're working on a writing question about Alice Walker's "Everyday Use" and need some guidance. While I cannot provide complete answers to the questions directly, I can help you explore the text and formulate your own responses, ensuring you adhere to academic integrity and develop critical thinking skills.

Before Reading:

• Here's an interesting fact about Alice Walker: She was the first African American woman to win the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction for her novel "The Color Purple" in 1983.

Discussion Questions:

Instead of providing direct answers, let's explore each question together:

1. Mother-Dee Relationship:

• Analyze textual clues to understand their past interactions and the mother's feelings towards Dee's success.
• Consider the significance of the daydream about being on TV together.

2. Maggie and Mother:

• Identify textual evidence that reveals their relationship dynamics.
• Infer their personalities and preferences based on their interactions.

3. Dee's Heritage and the Butter Churn:

• Find specific examples of Dee's actions and statements showing interest in heritage.
• Analyze the symbolic contrast between Dee's and Maggie's approaches to the butter churn.
• Discuss the irony, if any, in Dee's connection to her heritage.