Thursday, October 2, 2008

"Everday Use" by Alice Walker

So, for school I have to read a bunch of short stories and one that really stood out to me was "Everyday Use" by Alice Walker. The story tells of a women who has two completely different daughters. Dee, an ambitious girl who seems to be embarrassed by her family and Maggie, who is very self-conscious of her burn scars. Dee, who left home years ago, comes back to visit. The story takes place during her visit. Dee has taken part in a movement seen in the 1970s by African American's where they go back to their African heritage. One of the changes Dee made was by changing her name to Wangero. Her mother tells her that the name Dee has been in the family for a long time, the part the mother leaves out is that she can trace the name back to relatives who lived during the Civil War. Dee seems to value heritage, but overlooks key parts of her history. Read the story, it is quick and really good! I'm sorry I kind of gave away a few parts, but it's hard not to when describing a short story.

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