In the other hand, her grandmother is the old school type of lady but cares very much for the girl and Mary Hood presents this throughout the story. “I hate it here!” (67) Illustrates the girl’s feelings living with her grandma at the beginning of the story. Any person with that behavior and using the word “hate” is a strong word showing anger towards somebody. For example, if the girl yells the word “hate” to her grandma and any person
“This character has changed her given name. Dee Johnson, to the superficially more impressive Wangero Leewanika Kemanjo.”(Petry 21) Maggie is the quieter and shy type, and tends to stay at the shadow of her sister while learning how to quilt. “Also, in contrast to her sister, Maggie is selfless and able to put the needs of others above her own.”(Noe 222-223) In the beginning of the story, Maggie is envious of her sister. She is intimidated by Dee, but at the same time she very much admires her sister. “She thinks her sister held life always in the palm of her hand, and that “no” is a word the world never learned to say to her.”(Walker 423) Around Dee, Maggie is ashamed of the burns scars down her arms and legs, and walks funny ever since.
Mama’s description of her own looks gives the image that she not only is a bit meaty, but she also has a man-like appearance. For example, Mama’s descriptions suggest that she has muscles that are as large as (and even larger than) some men. This is inferred when she says, “I break ice to get water for washing”, “I kill and clean a hog as mercilessly as a man”, and “I knocked a bull calf straight in the brain between the eyes with a sledge hammer.” (458). Mama’s rough, warn looks prove that she has gone through a lot of hard work in order to provide for her family’s needs. Mama also has a man-ish personality to accompany her manly looks.
The Mother is a static character who remains unchanged throughout the story. Olsen paints an image of herself as that of a strong and caring Mother with a lot of guilt. The conflict for the Mother is the remorse for neglecting her first born child even though the neglect could not be helped. Olsen states, “I will become engulfed with all I did or did not do, with what should have been and cannot be helped” (290). Emily is a minor character in the story and is the Mother’s first born child.
Dee’s sister Maggie is described as being more restrained, and intimidated by her sister’s success. The feeling of intimidation sets up the tone of the story and displays the significance of how Dee’s character affects her sister and mother. Throughout the story, it
Her sense of not belonging makes her feel rejected by her own peers. Marguerite’s only way to escape from the torture she lives with day after day is to imagine her life as a “... sweet little white girl who [is] everybody’s dream of what [is] right in the world” (). Although Maya’s childhood is filled with embarrassment and shame, she learns from her grandmother that a strong woman should never settle for less. Though Marguerite has difficulties in her childhood, she considers her Momma a role model in her life. Her grandmother is constantly faced with racism and because of that she has learned that dignity is more valuable than anything.
She is obviously content with the route she has chosen to entertain Bovanne, and Bovanne is as well. Ms. Hazel’s son, Task, is one to approach her. He claims that his mother’s dress was too short and low-cut for “a woman her age.” As much as an independent woman she proves to be, during the time period she embraced the liberation women were given. Ms. Hazel shows unconditional affection to the elders in her community, although her community does not always approve of her tactics. She remembers
We see this when Jem says “I declare to the lord that you’re getting more like a girl every day” Here we see that Jem, however well educated by Atticus has fallen victim to prejudice helping the reader understand that however well meaning a person may be they still become influenced by the prejudice around them. Harper Lee uses Aunt Alexandra to illustrate what was expected of women at the time in a deliberately negative way. Scout observes this and says, “Aunt Alexandria’s deportment involved playing with small stoves, tea sets and wearing the adda-pearl necklace she gave me when I was born.” Aunt Alexandra’s view of life astonishes Scout and therefore emphasises the fact that her upbringing, up till now, has been a complete contrast to how other children would have been raised. We also find that gender prejudice does not only restrict girls in their choices but also boys. A key example is when Scout’s cousin Francis says “ Grandma’s a wonderful cook (…) She’s gonna teach me how.” Scout replies bluntly “Boys don’t cook” This reversely links with Jem’s prejudgment of girls an again reveals that even the children of a deeply unbiased and just man can become influenced by the ideas of a community.
The first comparison I made between the girls was their difference in looks. I think, Maggie is a little jealous of Wanerg’s beauty, it seems as if Maggie’s ashamed of the way she looks. While Mama and Maggie are waiting at home for a visit from Wanergo, Mama explains Maggie as being nervous when her sister is around. In the story Mama says : “She will stand hopelessly in corners, homely and ashamed of the burn scars down her arms and legs, eyeing her sister with a mixture of envy and awe”. Mama then compares Wanergo’s beauty to Maggie’s looks, she says, “Dee (Wanergo) is lighter than Maggie, with nicer hair and a fuller figure”… Compare Wangero”s beauty to Maggie’s looks , she says: ”Dee (Wanergo) is lighter than Maggie, with nicer hair and a fuller figure”… This difference in the two sister , Maggie and Wanergo look, plays a large role in what makes them so difference from each other .
Everyday Use by Alice Walker Alice Walker’s “Everyday Use,” is about an African American family made up of a mother and two daughters: Dee and Maggie. Every character has its own importance and meaning to the story however Dee is the most fascinating character. Dee has an ongoing battle within herself about who she is and what she represents. Throughout the short story, her acts convey ignorance, selfishness and arrogance. In the midst of her character flaws, she faces an identity crisis with her own heritage.