Theme
What is the main theme of “Everyday use”?
The importance of understanding and respecting one’s true heritage
Who are the three main characters in the story ?
Mama , Maggie, Dee/Wangero
What is the main conflict in the story?
The disagreement over who should get the family quilts.
How does education or living in a different place affect someone’s view of their culture
Learning new things or living somewhere else can change how a person feels about their culture. They might see it in a new way or feel less close to it.
What does the quilt symbolize in the story?
Family history, love, and the bond between generations.
How does the story show the importance of heritage?
Through the quilts and other household items that hold a family’s history, not just decorations but as living traditions.
How is Dee different from Maggie?
Dee is confident, stylish, and educated while Maggie is shy, quiet, and humble.
Why do Dee and Mama argue about the quilts?
Dee wants to hang them for decoration , but Mama promised them to Maggie to use.
Why might someone want to change their name like Dee did?
To feel more connected to their cultural or personal identity.
What does the house say about the family's life?
It shows their hard work, simple living, and deep roots.
Why does Mama believe that Maggie understands heritage better than Dee?
Since Maggie uses and values the items, while Dee wants them only for display
How does Mama describe herself at the beginning of the story?
Mama describes herself as a big boned women who works hard.
How is Maggie affected by Dee’s actions?
Maggie feels less important and overlooked, though she quietly accepts it,until Mama stands up for her.
How do people today show pride in their culture, like Dee?
Through clothes, language, art, and names.
what type of figurative language is this?
“Maggie can't appreciate these quilts! She'd probably be backward enough to put them to everyday use.”
Irony
How does Alice Walker use everyday objects to express the story’s message?
She uses items like the butter churn, quilts, and the benches to show how culture lives through use, and not just looks.
What does Dee’s visit show about her character?
It shows she’s proud but disconnected from her real roots and sees culture as style rather than substance.
What type of conflict is shown internal, external, or both?
Both. There’s external conflict between Dee and Mama, and internal conflict within Mama about fairness and identity.
Can someone care about their culture without truly understanding it?
Yes,some people like the style or surface, but not the deeper meaning or history.
How does the author use imagery to describe Mama and Maggie?
With strong, simple words that make you see their toughness, scars, and quiet beauty.
how does the story make us this differently about cultural identity?
It shows that reclaiming culture isn’t about style, it’s about staying connected to live traditions and family history.
How does each character view heritage differently?
Dee sees it as display, Maggie lives it quietly, and Mama values it’s personal meaning
How does the story’s conflict reflect deeper issues in family and society?
It shows the tension between old and new ways of seeing heritage, and between appearance and true meaning.
How can family traditions be lost or misunderstood over time?
When younger generations focus on trends or looks instead of learning the real stories and values behind them.
How does the figurative language deepen the meaning of the story?
It helps us feel the emotional depth, see the contrast between characters, and understand the deeper theme of heritage