Everyday Use by Alice Walker

Everyday Use

Literary Elements

Multiple Choice

Which of the following best represents the exposition of the short story "Everyday Use"?

• The reader learns that Mama made the decision to give Maggie the quilts due to her being more deserving and family-oriented than Dee.

• The reader finally understands that tradition and heritage are meant to be lived and celebrated not preserved as observation only.

• The reader "sees" Maggie and Mama on the porch smiling in comfort as Dee leaves in a hurry.

• The reader learns the general background concerning the primary characters of Dee, Maggie, and Mama. The setting of a three-room farm house is also established.

​Characterization

• The process by which the writer reveals the personality of a character.

• Characterization is revealed through direct characterization and indirect characterization.

​Characterization

• Direct Characterization TELLS the audience about the personality of the character.

  • Example: “The patient boy and quiet girl were both well mannered and did not disobey their mother.”

  • Explanation: The author is directly telling the audience the personality of these two children. The boy is “patient” and the girl is “quiet.”

​Characterization

• Indirect Characterization SHOWS things that reveal the personality of a character. 

• There are five different methods of indirect characterization:

  • Speech

  • Thoughts

  • Effects on others

  • Actions

  • Looks

Multiple Choice

What is the difference between direct and indirect characterization?

• Direct characterization relates to the beginning of the plot when each character is described and introduced.

  Indirect characterization comes at the end of a short story and is when the character's true colors are revealed.

• Direct characterization is when the reader needs to infer a character's personality/motivations through close reading and analysis.

  Indirect characterization is when the reader is told explicitly what a character is like.

• Direct characterization is when the character is so firmly described using imagery that the reader can fully picture the characters' appearance and attire.

  Indirect characterization is when the reader is left with questions as to what a character looks like.

• Direct characterization is when the reader is told explicitly what a character is like.

  Indirect characterization is when the reader needs to infer a character's personality/motivations through close reading and analysis.

Multiple Choice

What does this quote from "Everyday Use" reveal about the characterization of Dee? Choose the BEST answer.

"She used to read to us without pity; forcing words, lies, other folks' habits, whole lives upon us two, sitting trapped and ignorant underneath her voice. She washed us in a river of make-believe, burned us with a lot of knowledge we didn't necessarily need to know."

• This reveals that Dee is a self-absorbed character. She is only concerned with others listening to her talk. She wants her opinions and ideas to be heard despite the wishes of others.

• This reveals that Dee is a forceful character. She gives her family worldly information without regard to their need and/or want to be educated beyond their own experiences.

• This reveals that Dee is an educator character. She is well versed in most wordly topics and is very aware of the outlooks and perspectives of others.

• This reveals that Dee is a compassionate character who wants to see her family gain knowledge about the world they live in.

Multiple Choice

What type of characterization is BEST represented here?

"In real life I am a large, big-boned woman with rough, man-working hands."

• Indirect Characterization: Thoughts

• Indirect Characterization: Effects on Others

• Direct Characterization

• Indirect Characterization: Actions

Multiple Choice

Which Indirect Characterization technique is best represented here in describing DEE when discussing the few friends Dee had while growing up?

"She had a few. Furtive boys in pink shirts hanging about on washday after school. Nervous girls who never laughed/ Impressed with her they worshipped the well-turned phrase, the cute shape, the scalding humor that erupted like bubbles."

• Speech

• Actions

• Effects on Others

• Looks

Multiple Choice

How does Maggie's character contrast with Dee's in the story?

• Maggie is outgoing and ambitious, while Dee is shy and reserved.

• Maggie is practical and humble, while Dee is superficial and self-centered.

• Maggie is rebellious and defiant, while Dee is obedient and compliant.

• Maggie is wealthy and educated, while Dee is poor and uneducated.

​Internal Conflict

Internal conflict occurs when a character in the story struggles against him or herself.

Often, the most dynamic characters in a story have complex inner lives. They struggle against their thoughts and beliefs; they are frustrated by their actions; they hesitate when making big decisions.

​External Conflict

External conflict is a struggle between a character in the story and an outside force.

​External Conflict

Character vs. Character
Character vs. Society
Character vs. Nature
Character vs. Supernatural
Character vs. Technology

Multiple Choice

What is the primary conflict between Dee and her mother in the story?

• Dee wants to move to the city, but her mother wants her to stay.

• Dee wants to take family heirlooms for decoration, while her mother values their practical use.

• Dee wants to sell the family house, but her mother refuses.

• Dee wants to change her name, but her mother disapproves.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following best represents a theme developed throughout "Everyday Use"?

• Children who seek to embarrass their parents will embarrass themselves in the end.

• 
  Heritage should be valued and cherished.

• The future means more than the past.

• Outgoing individuals will always succeed in their goals.

Multiple Choice

What might the quilts in "Everyday Use" symbolize?

• Oppression.

• The irreplaceable bond between siblings.

• The desire to improve financial stability.

• The bonding of generations through passed-down traditions.