Stereotypes In Alice Walker's 'Everyday Use'

Hubert Fernander

Dr. Veronica Yon

AML 3041: American Literature II

April 15th, 2023

Alice Walker Everyday Use: Annotated Biography

Matthew Mullins' analysis concentrates on Dee and the audience's perception of her character. According to Mullins, "Dee is highly unlikable," and Sam Whitsitt (a critic Mullins referenced) stated, "Dee is evil, inauthentic, and a traitor." This statement stems from Dee's behavior toward her sister Maggie and their mother, referred to as Mama in the story. Dee's attitude towards them was initially fictitious and gradually became antagonistic. However, Nancy Tuten's perception of Dee was more empathetic. Nancy believed Dee was undoubtedly insensitive and selfish; nonetheless, she offered an interpretation of heritage

This action Displayed tremendous selflessness while Dee actions presented self-centeredness and her selfishness. Joe believes, this was an attempt by Alice Walker to distinguish the level of egocentricity between the sisters to the audience. Maggie’s response to the quilts were motivated by her disappointing tone when she denied the quilts. Perhaps that is what pivoted Mama’s decision. Nonetheless, unlike Dee, Maggie learnt how to handcraft quilts of her own. It may not have had the same sentimental values as the ones made by their grandma Dee, but it was no major issue for Maggie. Furthermore, another factor that differentiated the sisters, was while Dee appeared to be more educated or book smart, Maggie seemed more adept when it came to hands on activities. Maggie may have been far from as eloquent as Dee however, Dee was nowhere as tactically equipped as Maggie. Although the story did not say precisely but Dee probably lack basic culinary skill, which could explain her reaction to her mother’s

Mama would fantasize about Dee and her on the Johnny Carson TV show where she pins an orchid on her and the nervous girls who never laughed mentioned in the beginning of the story. Conversely, when Mama talked about Maggie’s future or plans, she appears disappointed. This is seen when Mama mentions Maggie’s fiancé, Mama said, “Maggie will marry John Thompson who has mossy teeth in an earnest face”. Mama talked more highly of Dee’s future than Maggie’s. Initially, Mama even admires Dee’s African dress. Susan believes Mama illustrates Alice Walker’s idea that everything new should not be feared, that change can be positive not just negative. Many critics thought Dee was unlikable, selfish, and arrogant, but she seemed like someone who knew what she wanted and pursued what she wanted until it was given. Dee’s ambitions came off as self-centered but that could have been seen as the drive of an ambitious person. Or Dee could have been just that selfish, arrogant, obnoxious, and rude to her family as she saw herself to be better than her family