Symbolism and Modernity in ‘Everyday Use’ by Alice Walker

What do the quilts symbolize to the narrator and her daughter, Maggie?
What is the importance of the TV-show dream?
What characteristics does Dee possess that show how unethical modernity can be?

Struggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your assignment easily!

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1. Understanding the Prompt: You’re tasked with answering three specific questions related to a piece of literature (likely “Everyday Use” by Alice Walker):

• First: What do the quilts symbolize to the narrator and her daughter, Maggie?
• Second: What is the importance of the TV-show dream?
• Third: What characteristics does Dee possess that show how unethical modernity can be?

You’ll need to structure your response thoughtfully and provide evidence from the text to support your answers.

2. Structuring the Paper:

• Introduction (2-3 sentences):
  Begin by briefly introducing the central themes of the story. You can mention the importance of heritage, family dynamics, and how Dee’s character represents modernity.
• First Part – Symbolism of the Quilts (200 words minimum):
  In this section, analyze the symbolism of the quilts. Discuss how they represent heritage, family history, and the connection to the past. Explain how the narrator (Mama) and Maggie view the quilts and why they are significant to them. Maggie sees the quilts as a link to her ancestors, while Mama sees them as a way to preserve and honor her family’s traditions.
• Second Part – The TV-show Dream (200 words minimum):
  Discuss the importance of the TV-show dream that Mama has. What does it reveal about her aspirations and her view of Dee’s character? You can interpret this dream as symbolic of Mama’s desire to be appreciated or valued in a way that Dee might understand, and yet it also reflects her deep connection to her roots, which Dee rejects.
• Third Part – Dee’s Characteristics and Unethical Modernity (200 words minimum):
  Examine Dee’s character and how she embodies aspects of modernity that are disconnected from tradition and ethics. Her materialism, desire for things she doesn’t understand, and her attempt to impose her version of heritage on others show how modernity can be shallow and self-serving. You can argue that her character represents how modernity, in its extreme form, can lead to the abandonment of deeper values like family and history.

3. Writing Tips:

• Provide textual evidence: Use quotes or specific references from the story to support your analysis.
• Be clear and organized: Break down each question into a separate paragraph for clarity.
• Stay on topic: Ensure each part of your paper answers the questions directly and thoroughly.

4. Conclusion (Optional):
You can conclude by summarizing how the symbolism of the quilts, the TV-show dream, and Dee’s modernity each reflect the story’s larger themes of heritage, identity, and family.

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By following this step-by-step guide, you’ll be able to effectively answer the questions and engage with the text. Good luck, and remember to be specific in your responses!

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