The Point of View in "Everyday Use"

"Everyday Use" by Alice Walker is a captivating short story that explores the theme of heritage and the clash between traditional and modern values. One significant aspect of the story is the point of view from which it is written. The author skillfully employs a first-person point of view, allowing readers to gain a deeper understanding of the characters and their motivations. Through this narrative perspective, Walker effectively conveys the complexities of family dynamics and the importance of cultural identity. This essay will analyze the use of first-person point of view in "Everyday Use," highlighting its impact on character development, conflict, and overall meaning.

The Impact of First-Person Point of View on Character Development

Walker's choice to narrate the story from the perspective of Mama, the protagonist and mother of two daughters, provides readers with an intimate glimpse into her thoughts and emotions. Mama's first-person narration enables readers to empathize with her struggles and understand her motivations. For instance, in the opening paragraphs, Mama describes herself as a "large, big-boned woman with rough, man-working hands" (Walker). This physical description reflects her practical and hardworking nature, setting the stage for her decision-making throughout the story.

Furthermore, Mama's perspective allows readers to witness her complex relationship with her daughters, Dee and Maggie. Through her narration, we learn about Dee's desire to distance herself from her family's rural roots and embrace a more cosmopolitan lifestyle. Mama's thoughts and observations provide valuable insights into Dee's character, such as her disdain for their humble home and her inclination to prioritize material possessions over familial connections. Mama's point of view also highlights the contrasting personality of Maggie, who is depicted as shy and self-conscious due to a childhood accident. This knowledge deepens our understanding of the sisters' conflicting attitudes towards their heritage and sets the stage for the story's central conflict.

The Role of First-Person Point of View in Conflict

The first-person point of view in "Everyday Use" significantly contributes to the development of the story's central conflict. As Mama narrates the events, readers gain insight into her internal struggles and the conflicting desires within her. Mama's love for her daughters is evident throughout the story, but her loyalty to her cultural heritage and the generations that came before her is equally strong.

One instance where this conflict becomes apparent is when Dee returns home and requests to take various family heirlooms, such as the quilts made by Mama's grandmother. Mama's inner turmoil is palpable as she grapples with the decision of whether to grant Dee's request or give the quilts to Maggie, who will use them in her everyday life. Through Mama's first-person narration, readers can feel her hesitation and the weight of the decision she must make. This conflict is further exacerbated by Dee's condescending attitude towards her family's customs and her insistence on viewing the quilts as mere artifacts to be displayed rather than cherished objects with a rich history.

By employing first-person point of view, Walker allows readers to fully comprehend Mama's internal struggle and the significance of her decision. This narrative perspective immerses readers in the emotional complexities of the conflict, making it a poignant and thought-provoking aspect of the story.

The Overall Meaning Enhanced by First-Person Point of View

The first-person point of view in "Everyday Use" enhances the story's overall meaning by providing readers with a deep understanding of Mama's perspective and the values she holds dear. Through Mama's narration, Walker highlights the importance of cultural heritage and the significance of everyday objects in preserving that heritage.

Throughout the story, Mama emphasizes the practicality and functionality of the objects in her life. For example, she describes the butter churn as "an old wooden butter churn, the dasher worn smooth as butter" (Walker). Through Mama's point of view, readers gain an appreciation for the history and purpose behind these seemingly mundane objects. This emphasis on the everyday serves as a powerful contrast to Dee's superficial appreciation of her heritage, as she values objects solely for their aesthetic appeal.

Furthermore, Mama's perspective allows readers to witness her recognition of Maggie's connection to their heritage. Mama acknowledges that Maggie understands the true value of the quilts, as she plans to continue using them in her everyday life. This realization leads Mama to a profound understanding of the importance of passing down traditions and preserving cultural identity. Through Mama's first-person point of view, readers can fully grasp the significance of her decision to entrust the quilts to Maggie, reinforcing the story's message of valuing heritage and rejecting superficiality.

Conclusion

The first-person point of view in "Everyday Use" plays a crucial role in developing the story's characters, conflicts, and overall meaning. Through Mama's narration, readers gain a deeper understanding of her struggles, the complexities of her relationships with her daughters, and the clash of values that drives the narrative forward. Walker's skillful use of this narrative perspective allows readers to empathize with Mama and appreciate the significance of cultural heritage. By employing first-person point of view, Walker creates a powerful and engaging story that prompts readers to reflect on their own relationships with tradition and the importance of preserving cultural identity.

Bibliography:

Walker, Alice. "Everyday Use." In Love and Trouble: Stories of Black Women, Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1973.