Symbolism And Setting Of Everyday Use

3 Pages 699 Words

In the short story, “Everyday Use” by Alice Walker, there is much use of symbolism and setting throughout. The main characters are Mama and Maggie and Dee. There is a detailed contrast throughout the story between simple necessary objects and stylish objects. Mama and Maggie do not agree with how Dee interprets the value of certain objects within their lives. Dee only sees things for their superficial value. Walker tries to convey that the substance or core essence of an object or a person is far more important than the style.

Mama, the speaker within the story, is described as a “large, big-boned woman with rough, man-working hands” (654). She also makes reference to being able to “kill and clean a hog as mercilessly as a man” (654-5) these statements do not portray her as being the typical graceful, nurturing mother. She does however, enjoy doing many things. Mama and Maggie are both more interested in the practicality of objects around them more than anything else. However, Dee is superficial, paying much more attention to style and fashion. She doesn’t seem to have any hobbies which she enjoys. When Dee joined the Nation of Islam and changed her name to Wangero, she began to view old objects as an important part of her heritage and as art.

The Butter Churn and Dasher are two examples of the objects Dee now shows interest in. The butter churn was crafted by Maggie and Dee’s Uncle Buddy. Mama describes them with great detail which indicates how much value she holds to them. Dee, on the other hand, plans to use the top of the churn as a centerpiece for her table and just throw away the bottom part. She says that she will “think of something artistic to do with the dasher” (658). Dee apparently sees no useful life for either of the two objects. Mama is not very pleased, as she is a practical woman.

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