It is easy to fall into sexist tropes regarding fictional characters, more specifically, women. It is important to note that some works require contrast personas to prove the authors point. “Everyday Use”, written by Alice Walker, is no exception. “Everyday Use” is an example of how Mama Johnson and Dee are two completely different people. Mama Johnson is humble, masculine, and resilient. On the other hand, her daughter Dee is self-centered, superficial, and ungrateful. First, Mama Johnson is a humble woman. She states: “I am a large, big boned woman with rough, man-working hands” (Walker, pp. 489). She does not try to sugar coat how she describes herself nor does she display narcissism. Mama Johnson also acknowledges how her furniture is either passed down or handmade, and she has no problem with that. Mama refers to the benches “’ her daddy made when they couldn’t afford chairs’” (Walker, pp. 492). Second, Mama Johnson is masculine. She is not afraid to get dirty and appear unfeminine: “I can work outside all day, breaking ice to get water for washing” (Walker, pp. 489). Mama Johnson is also not opposed or scared of
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Dee wanted the quilts all to herself. She knows Maggie has lived in her shadow.
Next, Dee is superficial. Dee never liked her family situation, but suddenly, she takes great interest. But it is not genuine interest, it is for her trendy new social circle.
Lastly, Dee is ungrateful. She could not have cared less when her house burnt down. Mama thought “Why don’t you dance around those ashes?” after seeing Dee have an aura of eagerness as she was watching the home burn. (Walker, pp. 489). Dee also changes her name, so she would not be reminded of those who oppressed her: “’She’s dead. I could not bear it any longer being named after the people who oppress me’” (Walker, pp. 491). Mama brings up that Dee was named after her grandmother, and her mother. Dee can not, and never will, appreciate her
Dee wanted the quilts all to herself. She knows Maggie has lived in her shadow.
Next, Dee is superficial. Dee never liked her family situation, but suddenly, she takes great interest. But it is not genuine interest, it is for her trendy new social circle.
Lastly, Dee is ungrateful. She could not have cared less when her house burnt down. Mama thought “Why don’t you dance around those ashes?” after seeing Dee have an aura of eagerness as she was watching the home burn. (Walker, pp. 489). Dee also changes her name, so she would not be reminded of those who oppressed her: “’She’s dead. I could not bear it any longer being named after the people who oppress me’” (Walker, pp. 491). Mama brings up that Dee was named after her grandmother, and her mother. Dee can not, and never will, appreciate her