“Everyday Use” by Alice Walker – Study Guide

 About the author:

1.      Why does Alice Walker use the term “womanist” rather than “feminist”?

2.      What’s her most famous novel (made into a film)? 

About the story:

 1.      What kind of narrator does this story have?   Who is the narrator?

 2.      What is the effect of having this kind of narrator? Would it be different if it were told through one of the sisters’ eyes? How might it change?

 3.      The quilt is a symbol of importance in this story.  What does it represent?  Can you explain the difference between the values expressed in “everyday use” versus “hanging one’s heritage on the wall”?

4.      What kind of character is the mother?  What are key elements that tell us what kind of person she is?

 5.      What kind of character is Maggie?  How does Maggie’s personality and life relate to her  heritage?

 6.      What kind of character is Dee?  How does Dee’s personality and life relate to her heritage? 

7.      What do you think is the theme of this story?

 8.       For you, what is the emotional impact of this story?