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Direct Characterization In Everyday Use By Alice Walker

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The indirect characterization of Dee shows how she embraces her heritage superficially. While Dee is shown to be spoiled and selfish, throughout the story her indirect characterization is shown through her own actions. For her embracing her heritage it has become a fashion statement. The reader can observe this when Dee intentions show that she cares more about the looks of the artifacts being displayed than the hands who made it. This is explained when Dee makes a comment about the churn top and the dasher. Walker writes, “I can use the churn top as a centerpiece for the alcove table” Dee states, “and I'll think of something artistic to do with the dasher” (Walker 98). Here the reader is likely to understand Dee intentions for the artifacts; she thinks that by displaying …show more content…

While Maggie is different from her sister Dee, she is seen by her mother perspective as a sweet, humble, and calm person. Her mother describes her lovingly as a person who isn’t very bright and unattractive “She knows she is not bright “her mother states about her, “Like good looks and money, quickness passed her by” (Walker 95). Regardless of everything for Mama, Maggie is a person who she can trust and sing songs at church. However, Maggie is more like mama a person who believes in the traditions she was inculcated. She gives recognition to the memory of her ancestors. This can be seen when she tells Dee the creator behind everything she admires. This is shown when Walker writes “Maggie brain is like an elephant” (Walker 98) emphasizing that she remembers everything and her history regarding her ancestors. Lastly, she is the only one apart from her sister that has the ability to quilt. Maggie’s knowledge for quilting shows that she has appreciation and pride for her heritage in her own way, regardless of Dee direct view of her not knowing the proper value of her ancestors

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