Everyday Use

"Everyday Use "

In the story "Everyday Use", by Alice Walker, two teenage African American siblings are related by blood but differ in personality, education and physical appearance. Dee is the character that is outgoing, out spoken and educated. Maggie is still living at home with her mother, has trouble reading and is not as well dressed as Dee. The mother of both these young girls is accepting of the both, although she herself recognizes the great differences.

Dee is some one who as her mother says "Dee, tough. She would always look anyone in the eye. Hesitation was no part of her nature."(161). Dee speaks what is on her mind and does not hesitate to do so. She is more educated than Maggie; Dee attended a school in Augusta. Physical appearance is also a way that they are different; Dee has a lighter skin complexion and Maggie a darker tone. The way they dress is remarkably different as the author points out about Dee,"Her feet were always neat-looking, as if God himself had shaped them with a certain style. ..Earrings gold, too, hanging down to her shoulders...Bracelets dangling and making noises..." (163).

Maggie is less educated than Dee as the author says "Sometimes Maggie reads to me. She stumbles along good-naturedly but can't see well. She knows she is not bright."(163). Maggie is also less good looking than Dee as described here "Like good looks and money, quickness passed her by."(163). Maggie is a shy quiet young girl, who lives at home with her mother. She is a darker skin complexion than Dee who is lighter. Maggie is less out going or sociable than Dee for example when Asalamalakim was trying to shake her hand the author says" Maggie's hand is as limp as a fish, and probably as cold, despite the sweat, and she keeps trying to pull it back."(164).

Dee and Maggie are both African American teens whose ancestors were oppressed by slavery. They both share the same background, and live with the