Everyday Use By Alice Walker: Literary Analysis

Alice Malsenior Walker, a Georgia native, is a widely known American author. Not only is she an author but she is also a Civil Rights activist. She fought for equality for all African Americans in the South. Her career took flight when her most famous novel, The Color Purple, was published. A year later after the novel was published, Walker received The Pulitzer Award. The novel also made her the most distinguished woman in America. ”Everyday Use” is one of her most famous short stories. The short story, “Everyday Use” was published in 1973, focuses the preservation of heritage versus everyday use. The main conflict in The Color Purple is the sexism inherent. Celie and Maggie exhibit similar characteristics. The characters learn how to become independent and self-sufficient. …show more content…
Celie, from The Color Purple comes from a poor family was auctioned off to Mister. He raped her on a daily basis. Throughout the story, Celie, grows and learns a new way of living. Celie starts writing to God about her atrocious life. Her faith in God helps her sustain Mister and the way he treats her. Mister terrified her when he said, “You better not never tell nobody but God. I’ll kill your mammy” (Purple). Shug Avery, Mister’s longtime mistress, moves into Celie’s and Mister’s house. Shut teaches Celie independent skills of daily living. Celie and Shug develop a close and personal relationship. She learns assertive skills and gain self confidence in herself. Once it is time for Shug Avery to leave, Celie realizes she has to depend less on Shug and more on herself. Celie realizes Shug is someone to love and through that love, Celie realizes her own self-worth. At the conclusion of the story, Celie leaves with Shug and begins to live a life of her own. She begins living a life she only once