Characterization of Dee (from “Everyday Use” by Alice Walker)
Sometimes, we come so far in life that it is hard to recall where we came from. In “Everyday Use” by Alice Walker, Dee wants to reclaim her heritage but is unable to embrace the one most important part of heritage; her family. Chasing her ambitions makes Dee self-centered and not capable of truly appreciating her family and heritage.
Ambitious since her childhood, Dee is determined to get what she wants in life.
For example, Mama recalls that “she [Dee] would look anyone in the eye” and “hesitation was no part of her” (#70). Unlike her sister, Dee isn’t shy. With her brimming confidence, she is capable of taking leaps in her life that Mama would never dream of.
In addition, since …show more content…
Dee likes to surround herself with people who respect and agree with her. She does not want anyone disagreeing with her and never takes no for an answer.
With her high ambitions, Dee turns herself away from the way of her mother’s life.
Dee lacks deep love and affection for Mama and her sister Maggie.
For example, Mama fantasizes about being in a TV show where Dee thanks her for all she has done (#70). Mama feels underappreciated and at distant from Dee even though she is her daughter. Dee’s selfish acts have pushed Mama to question her selfless motherly love.
In addition, Dee just stands and watches instead of helping her little sister get out of the fire when their old house burns to the ground (#71). Dee lacks the sisterly love that she should provide to her poor sister. She is so self-centered that she does not empathize with her sister’s needs and feelings.
Furthermore, Dee writes to Mama that she will come and visit them no matter wherever they chose to live but will never bring her friends (#72). Dee is overtly self-conscious and does not want anyone to see where she truly comes from. She is not ready to openly embrace her mother the way she is.
Dee is not able to truly accept her family and reciprocate the love she has
Sometimes, we come so far in life that it is hard to recall where we came from. In “Everyday Use” by Alice Walker, Dee wants to reclaim her heritage but is unable to embrace the one most important part of heritage; her family. Chasing her ambitions makes Dee self-centered and not capable of truly appreciating her family and heritage.
Ambitious since her childhood, Dee is determined to get what she wants in life.
For example, Mama recalls that “she [Dee] would look anyone in the eye” and “hesitation was no part of her” (#70). Unlike her sister, Dee isn’t shy. With her brimming confidence, she is capable of taking leaps in her life that Mama would never dream of.
In addition, since …show more content…
Dee likes to surround herself with people who respect and agree with her. She does not want anyone disagreeing with her and never takes no for an answer.
With her high ambitions, Dee turns herself away from the way of her mother’s life.
Dee lacks deep love and affection for Mama and her sister Maggie.
For example, Mama fantasizes about being in a TV show where Dee thanks her for all she has done (#70). Mama feels underappreciated and at distant from Dee even though she is her daughter. Dee’s selfish acts have pushed Mama to question her selfless motherly love.
In addition, Dee just stands and watches instead of helping her little sister get out of the fire when their old house burns to the ground (#71). Dee lacks the sisterly love that she should provide to her poor sister. She is so self-centered that she does not empathize with her sister’s needs and feelings.
Furthermore, Dee writes to Mama that she will come and visit them no matter wherever they chose to live but will never bring her friends (#72). Dee is overtly self-conscious and does not want anyone to see where she truly comes from. She is not ready to openly embrace her mother the way she is.
Dee is not able to truly accept her family and reciprocate the love she has