Alice Walker's Everyday Use Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What symbolizes the mother's heritage in 'Everyday Use'?

The quilts (correct)

Maggie's cooking skills

The family home

Dee's college education

How does Dee view the family’s quilts differently from her mother?

As practical items for daily use

As relics of the past

As a representation of family ties

As works of art to be admired (correct)

What does the mother’s decision to give the quilts to Maggie signify?

Her desire to move away from family traditions

Her affirmation of traditional values (correct)

Her preference for modern ideas

Her rejection of Dee’s educational background

What character trait does Dee embody in the story?

Progressiveness Signup and view all the answers

Which best describes the relationship dynamic between the mother and Dee?

A struggle between tradition and modernity Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of Dee's character is most unsettling to the mother?

Her rejection of cultural heritage Signup and view all the answers

What theme is primarily explored through the relationship of the characters?

The negotiation of identity between tradition and modernity Signup and view all the answers

What is a key difference between Maggie and Dee’s characters?

Maggie is more connected to family heritage than Dee Signup and view all the answers

What does Mama believe about the act of becoming?

It is essential for true living. Signup and view all the answers

What do the quilts symbolize for Mama?

Her family's struggles and identity. Signup and view all the answers

Why is Maggie considered a better candidate for the quilts than Dee?

She understands the quilts' meaning and value. Signup and view all the answers

What is Dee's desire regarding the quilts?

To display them as artifacts. Signup and view all the answers

How does Mama view Dee's relationship with her heritage?

She feels Dee misunderstands its significance. Signup and view all the answers

What does Mama's decision to give the quilts to Maggie signify?

A commitment to preserving her heritage. Signup and view all the answers

What does Dee's character primarily represent in the story?

A superficial understanding of identity. Signup and view all the answers

What do the quilts remind Mama and Maggie of?

The importance of family and history. Signup and view all the answers

What do the quilts symbolize in the narrative?

The family's heritage and ancestry Signup and view all the answers

How does Dee perceive the quilts?

As artistic pieces for display Signup and view all the answers

What does Mama ultimately decide regarding the quilts?

To give them to Maggie Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary conflict in 'Everyday Use'?

Between tradition and modernity Signup and view all the answers

How does Maggie's lifestyle differ from Dee's?

Maggie has remained close to home and tradition Signup and view all the answers

What does Dee's renaming to Wangero signify?

Her newfound appreciation for her heritage Signup and view all the answers

What does the act of Mama giving the quilts to Maggie represent?

Mama's acknowledgment of Maggie's values Signup and view all the answers

What does the story imply about the relationship between mothers and daughters?

It shows a clear division in beliefs about heritage. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Overview of "Everyday Use"

Explores the mother-daughter relationship amid tradition and modernity.
Told from the perspective of a mother named Mama, who feels disconnected from her daughters, Dee and Maggie.
Dee, a college student, introduces ideas that are unsettling to Mama.

Characters

Mama (the mother): Values family history and tradition; represents rootedness in culture.
Dee (Wangero): Returned home changed, seeking to redefine her cultural identity; views her heritage as art.
Maggie: Lives a traditional lifestyle, connected to her roots, and values her family's history.

Themes

Tradition vs. Modernity: The mother values tradition while Dee seeks to embrace a modern perspective that overlooks the intimate significance of their heritage.
Heritage and Identity: Heritage is portrayed as lived and experienced rather than simply claimed or displayed.

Symbolism

The Quilts:
- Symbolize Mama's heritage and the hard work of her ancestors.
- For Mama, they are crafted with love and history; for Dee, they are decorative art pieces.

Conflict

The clash between Mama and Dee over ownership of the quilts embodies their differing perspectives on heritage.
Mama asserts her identity by deciding to give the quilts to Maggie, recognizing her genuine connection to the family history.

Critical Insights

Dee's Transformation: She adopts a new name, Wangero, to reconnect with her African roots but overlooks the deeper meanings of her heritage.
Maggie's Value of Heritage: Unlike Dee, Maggie embodies the essence of their family’s struggles and will appreciate the true significance of the quilts.
Mama's Decision: By giving the quilts to Maggie, Mama ensures that their heritage will be preserved through someone who honors its significance.

Quotations Supporting the Themes

Heritage is described as lived: "Mama can see that...it is in the act of becoming that one is most truly alive."
Dee's desire reduces the quilts to mere objects: "Dee wants to own the quilts...to make them into something they are not."
Maggie is seen as the keeper of the family's true heritage: "Maggie is the one who will truly appreciate the quilts."

Conclusion

"Everyday Use" presents a nuanced perspective on family, heritage, and the often conflicting views of tradition and modernity, exemplified through the relationship between a mother and her daughters.

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Description

Test your knowledge of Alice Walker's short story 'Everyday Use'. This quiz explores the intricate dynamics between mothers and daughters while examining themes of tradition and modernity. Dive into the characters of Dee and Maggie and their complex interactions with their mother.