Essay about Everyday Use A Mothers Choice - 1067 Words

A Mothers Choice In her short story Everyday Use, author Alice Walker introduces us to a Mother awaiting the visit of her daughter, Dee, who has left her rural upbringing to go away to college. Although we are not told an exact location, the descriptions provided by Miss Walker lead us to believe that the story is set in the very poorest section of the south. Momma narrates this story, and describes to us in her own simple way the dynamics of the family and the conflicts that arise with Dees homecoming. Momma tells us she is uneducated; I never had an education. After second grade, the school was closed. She further describes her rough, rural lifestyle. I can work outside all day, breaking ice to get water for washing...One†¦show more content†¦In her dreams she envisions a mother daughter reunion like ones seen on TV. But she realizes that this will never be; But that is a mistake. Momma seems to understand that Dee has always wanted more, ashamed of her background. Dee wanted nice thin gs ... At sixteen she had a style of her own and knew what style was. The `new Dee that arrives at the doorstep presents many conflicts for Momma. She seems unsure what to make of her, as Dee has changed in many ways, including her name and her manner of dress. It appears that Dee has decided to embrace her African heritage and adopt the mannerisms of that cultural. `What happened to Dee? I wanted to know. `Shes dead Wangero said. `I could not bear it any longer, being named after the people who oppress me. Suddenly what Dee had loathed is now worthy of her attention. Dee takes many pictures of the family, making sure the house is in every one. This confuses momma, since Dee had once told her family that; no matter where we choose to live, she will manage to come see us. But she will never bring her friends. 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