Short Story Review

What is the central conflict of Alice Walker’s “Everyday Use”?

• the cultural and personal struggle between Maggie and her mom vs. Dee

• the political and racial struggle of Maggie, her mom, and Dee vs. white society

• the inner conflict between Dee vs. herself on whether she should claim what is rightfully hers

• the socioeconomic clash between the poor and the rich

All of the following quotes are clues or examples of the family’s poor status except which?

• “Everything delighted [Dee]. Even the fact that we still used the benches her daddy made for the table when we couldn’t afford to buy chairs.”

• “[T]hen the two of us sat there just enjoying, until it was time to go in the house and go to bed.”

• “[T]hat was before we raised the money, the church and me, to send her to Augusta to school.”

• “There are no real windows, just some holes cut in the sides, like the portholes in a ship, but not round and not square, with rawhide holding the shutters up on the outside.”

How does the action of Maggie “[trying] to dig a well in the sand with her toe” characterize her when Dee returns home?

• This action characterizes Maggie as being adventurous and curious of the world around her.

• This action characterizes Maggie as being physical and energetic.

• This action characterizes Maggie as being conscientious and mindful of the earth.

• This action characterizes Maggie as being weak, non-confrontational, or afraid of Dee.

Who is the narrator of "Everyday Use"?

• Dee

• Maggie

• Unidentified

• Mama

Dee changes her name because

• she wants to separate herself entirely from her family.

• she wants to identify herself with her African roots

• she has been unduly influenced by Hakim-a-barber

• she thinks a new name will enhance her career

Which sentence BEST state Mama's view of herself?

• She thinks she has the potential to be a minister.

• She feels she has set a bad example for her daughters.

• She accepts herself as a strong, capable country woman.

• She believes that her life lacks meaning and purpose.

Maggie's shyness arises mainly from

• the ridicule her family heaps upon her

• the trauma she suffered when the house burned down

• the sudden attraction she feels toward Hakim-a-barber

• her fear of Dee

Which of the following characteristics does Dee share with her mother?

• Neither of them likes the family house.

• Both women are strong-willed.

• Both of them love the country.

• Neither of them graduated from high school.

Which of the following can you infer about Maggie?

• She is eager to see her sister.

• She misses the old house.

• She’s been unsure of herself for years.

• She will soon sell the quilts.

Which of the following is the BEST description of the story's central conflict?

• Dee argues with her mother over the butter churn

• Mama wants Maggie to be more like Dee.

• Dee wants the quilts, but her mother has already promised them to Maggie.

• Mama does not approve of Dee's choice in men.