Characterization in Everyday Use
Put simply, characterization is the development of a character, or lack thereof, in a story. As such, characterization plays a major role in almost every story. Without it, the story may fall flat, but because of the complexity of humans, characterization is sometimes difficult to identify (Arp 161 and 165). Even so, identifying characterization may help to discover the plot and the essence of the story. Characterization is one of the author’s ways of showing theme and change in a story. It is so important to the success of the story that some literary authors believe it to be the most important element of writing (Arp 161). Other literary elements such as symbolism and irony may have more of an effect …show more content…
She welcomes her long-lost daughter but questions her new points of view. Dee (Wangero) has become a new person, yet is still the same child who despised her upbringing and longed to run away from her family because she “wanted nice things” (Walker 168). This is something Mama has struggled with throughout Dee’s life. She has resisted Dee’s attempts to change her. Mama is has been tough and been both the mother and father for her children, shown through her “rough, man-working hands,” and her ability to “kill and clean a hog as mercilessly as a man,” yet Dee does not appreciate these things (Walker 167). There is a build up of emotion throughout Dee’s life until Mama can take it no longer. She snatches the quilts from Wangero and returns them to Maggie (Walker 173). Mama transforms into a new person: one who is not afraid to be less than perfect for her judgemental daughter and will no longer take her bullying. She stands up for Maggie and hugs her for the first time, demonstrating her new God-given love for …show more content…
Mama’s epiphany galvanizes her to action against the abuse from her daughter. This epiphany alludes to the theme as well. Characterization makes or breaks a story, and in Everyday Use it is no different (Arp 165). Mama’s choice to stand up for what was right stays with us and allows the story to develop as Mama transforms too. Walker’s characterization allows us to see the world through Mama’s eyes and to see the wrongness of both sides. It provides a contrast between the underdeveloped and the overdeveloped personalities and the conflict that ensues between both parties. Characterization is the epicenter of many books due to its ability to link all of the characters and further the story through development of the plot and theme. Through characterization, the story becomes more meaningful and
Put simply, characterization is the development of a character, or lack thereof, in a story. As such, characterization plays a major role in almost every story. Without it, the story may fall flat, but because of the complexity of humans, characterization is sometimes difficult to identify (Arp 161 and 165). Even so, identifying characterization may help to discover the plot and the essence of the story. Characterization is one of the author’s ways of showing theme and change in a story. It is so important to the success of the story that some literary authors believe it to be the most important element of writing (Arp 161). Other literary elements such as symbolism and irony may have more of an effect …show more content…
She welcomes her long-lost daughter but questions her new points of view. Dee (Wangero) has become a new person, yet is still the same child who despised her upbringing and longed to run away from her family because she “wanted nice things” (Walker 168). This is something Mama has struggled with throughout Dee’s life. She has resisted Dee’s attempts to change her. Mama is has been tough and been both the mother and father for her children, shown through her “rough, man-working hands,” and her ability to “kill and clean a hog as mercilessly as a man,” yet Dee does not appreciate these things (Walker 167). There is a build up of emotion throughout Dee’s life until Mama can take it no longer. She snatches the quilts from Wangero and returns them to Maggie (Walker 173). Mama transforms into a new person: one who is not afraid to be less than perfect for her judgemental daughter and will no longer take her bullying. She stands up for Maggie and hugs her for the first time, demonstrating her new God-given love for …show more content…
Mama’s epiphany galvanizes her to action against the abuse from her daughter. This epiphany alludes to the theme as well. Characterization makes or breaks a story, and in Everyday Use it is no different (Arp 165). Mama’s choice to stand up for what was right stays with us and allows the story to develop as Mama transforms too. Walker’s characterization allows us to see the world through Mama’s eyes and to see the wrongness of both sides. It provides a contrast between the underdeveloped and the overdeveloped personalities and the conflict that ensues between both parties. Characterization is the epicenter of many books due to its ability to link all of the characters and further the story through development of the plot and theme. Through characterization, the story becomes more meaningful and