” Everyday Use” Essay, Research Paper
The story ?Everyday Use? is written by Alice Walker. ?Everyday Use? is narrated by a middle aged black women who has two daughters; Maggie and Dee. Dee is depicted as a smart but ruthless college girl, while Maggie is a sweet but ineffectual homebody. The story frequently discusses animal characteristics that parallel the three female characters; the Mother, Maggie and Dee.
The mother as a character is compared to the cow. In the beginning the mother describes herself; ?In real life I am a large, big boned woman, with rough man- working hands…my fat keeps me hot in zero weather, I can work outside all day?(149). Later in the story the mother says she use to love milking cows; ?Cows are soothing and slow and don?t bother you unless you try to milk them the wrong way?(150). In a sense the mother describes her common characteristics. The description of herself vividly parallels the qualities of a cow. She is large, similar to a cow and big boned. The image of rough hands assimilates with a cow being a rougher less fragile animal. The description of her fat that keeps her hot in cold weather and her being able to work outside all day creates the image of the cow who carries a large amount of fat to enable it to stay outside all year round. The mother also lives in the middle of a cow pasture, this evidently adds to the cow imagery. The fact of the mother being an older black women, could also incorporate that in the days of slave labor black women were perceived as ?breeders? like the cow because they were valued in terms of their ability to reproduce. The animal imagery of the cow prominently relates to the mother.
The character Maggie is described and paralleled to two animals the dog and the elephant. Maggie is the younger sibling who is shy, heavy and lacking self confidence. Maggie?s mother describes her as she comes out of the house; ?Have you ever seen a lame animal, perhaps a dog run over by some care-less person rich enough to own a car, sidle up to someone who is ignorant enough to be kind to him? That is the way Maggie walks?(149). These words truly describe Maggie as a lame animal such as the dog. A dog is innocent as is Maggie, obedient and easily influenced, exactly how Maggie is depicted in the story. Dee, Maggie?s sister describes Maggie; ?Maggie?s brain is like an elephant?s?(151). Elephants are perceived as being slow and useless, this is Dee?s opinion and description of her sister. Maggie is juxtaposed with animals that are slow, obedient, innocent, and useless, all true portrayals of her character.
Dee the eldest is imaged as animals such as the bird and the sheep. Dee has a nice figure, she is attractive and has a drive for a better life. Dee?s mother describes her voice;? ?Mama?, she said, sweet as a bird?(151). Birds are seen as beautiful and free. Dee definitely is beautiful and has a free spirit, always wanting to go somewhere. The mother talks about Dee?s hair; ?It stands straight up like the wool on a sheep?(150). Sheep are known to be useful, sharp, active and valued animals, Dee is all of these. It can also be said that Dee is the ?black sheep? of the family in that she is the opposite of her mother and sister. Dee does not understand her heritage. The quilts in the story represent the past of the women in the family. Dee wants to hang the quilts on the wall but for Maggie she would put them to everyday use. Perhaps it is Maggie who truly understands the culture of her family. Dee has not come to that understanding she is therefore ?the black sheep?.
The thematic richness of ?Everyday Use? is made possible by the flexible, perceptive voice of the first-person narrator. It is through the mother?s point of view which permits the readers understanding of all three women. The animal imagery in prospect to the women allows the reader to assimilate animal characteristics and human characteristics. Since animals and humans have lived together and been an integral part of existing for many years, it allows for a better understanding of the characters present in this story. Alice Walker has written a meaningful, captivating and unique story.
Alice Walker.?Everyday Use?, in English 024 Course Anthology, 149-152.
Другие работы по теме:
Animal Imagery In Hamlet Essay Research Paper
In Shakespeare’s play, Hamlet, animalistic imagery is seen throughout the play and intertwines many characters. There are two main types of animalistic behaviors seen in the play. First there are the common predator-prey relationships that are visible in all animalistic societies. In the animal kingdom there is a food chain where some smarter or more cunning animal hunts or tracks down the weaker animal, thus a predator-prey relationship.
May SwensonS
“Women” Essay, Research Paper In May Swenson?s poem, Women, the imagery and structure work very well with the content of the poem. Swenson writes a poem about women and what they should be. At first glance, the image of the poem could be a play on women and their curves. However, once the reader examines the content of the poem, it is clear that Swenson is using the image of the poem to play on what women should be, or perhaps what they are perceived to be.
Art Is Life Life Is Art Essay
, Research Paper I have chosen to discuss about Mushrooms and You?re. Intro: The titles of the poems can tell you a lot about them before you have even began to read to read them. For example the poem You?re. Well first of all its title tells us that the speaker is going to be talking about or describing someone or something.
The Last Day Of The Year Essay
, Research Paper In the poem The Last Day of the Year, Annette Von Droste-H lshoff uses imagery and references to God to express the coming of the end of the year. The poem, however, seems to reflect the impending freedom of women from a patriarchal society. This poem s imagery and outside references suggest that it is in fact a plea for the end of the suffering of women, and that the coming of their empowerment is near.
Peom Stuff Essay Research Paper Levertov uses
Peom Stuff Essay, Research Paper Levertov uses the imagery of Christ dying on the cross to show that God has indeed taken heed of the request from humanity, by allowing his son to perish for humanity??s sins: “God crucified on the resolve not to displume our unused wings”. The imagery of the “unused wings” would appear to point to humanity??s capacity for greater good not yet realized.
Imagery Essay Research Paper I SELECTED TO
Imagery Essay, Research Paper I SELECTED TO DO MY REPOPRT ON IMAGERY BECAUSE; IT IS EXTREAMLY CAPTIVATING TO ME HOW YOU CAN SPEED THE RECOVERY OF AN ADDICITON TO HANNDLING STREES WITH ONE EAISILY LEARNED TEQNIQUE. ALSO TO ACHIEVE MY FUTURE INTENTION OF BEING AN ADDICTION THERIOPIST I WILL NEED TO UNDERSTAND AND ADVICE THIS TEQNIQUE SO FIGURED I MIGHT AS WELL START LEARNING ABOUT IT NOW.
Richard EberhartS The Groundhog Essay Research Paper
In Richard Eberhart’s poem “The Groundhog”, the author uses his expertise in language to contrast life and death in nature. With diction and contrasting imagery the author discloses his idea that the world is in constant change. Changes in which things eventually decompose, or disappear, but also, at the same time saying that nature will renew itself.
The Use Of Animal Imagery In Othello
Essay, Research Paper In William Shakespeare?s play ?Othello? the use of animal imagery was evident throughout the telling of the story. Shakespeare explained several characters
Doll House Essay Research Paper Animal Imagery
Doll House Essay, Research Paper Animal Imagery in Henrick Ibsen’s A Doll House Animal imagery in Henrick Ibsen’s play, The Doll House is a critical analyzing tool for the character development of Nora and Torvald Helmer the main characters in this play.
The Raven Edgar Allan Poe Essay Research
Paper Edgar Allen Poe was one of the greatest writers of the nineteenth century. Perhaps he is best know for is ominous short stories. Two of these stories were “The Cask of Amontillado” and “The Raven.” In these short stories Poe uses imagery in many different forms to enhance the mood and setting of the story.
Imagery In Shakespeare
’s King Lear Essay, Research Paper William Shakespeare, when writing King Lear, incorporates many effective images into this play. He refers to clothing, animals, wheels, sexual images, and blindness all to make his point. Shakespeare uses blindness in 2 paralleling plotlines, those of Lear and Gloucester.
Analysis Of 1984
& Animal Farm Essay, Research Paper 1984 and Animal Farm Analytical Essay All novels have hidden messages that the author wants his audience to find. 1984 and Animal Farm, written by George Orwell, both
Boxer The Horse Fromanimal Farm Essay Research
Paper Boxer the horse from Animal Farm was much like my mother. They both share the characteristics of hard workers. They are dedicated to what they do, admired by many, and never quit before a job is done.
The Broken Heart Essay Research Paper Imagery
The Broken Heart Essay, Research Paper Imagery in "The Broken Heart" John Donnes? poem "The Broken Heart" is full of imagery, used to portray his broken heart. Donne uses the imagery so we can get a visual picture of what love means to him. He uses the imagery because it?s necessary to see a picture of the pain he lives with.
Animal Imagery In Henrick Ibsen
’s Essay, Research Paper Animal imagery in Henrick Ibsen’s play, The Doll House is a critical part of the character development of Nora, the wife of Torvald Helmer.
Imagery In Macbeth Essay Research Paper Imagery
Imagery In Macbeth Essay, Research Paper Imagery plays a very important purpose in the revealing of the character of Macbeth nearthe beginning of the story. It helps to reveal Macbeth as being brave and full of ambitionwhen the captain describes him like Valour s minion ( I, II, 20). This allows theaudience to see, without actually observing, just how brave a man Macbeth really is.
Imagery Focal Point For Steinbeck Essay Research
Paper In Steinbeck’s novel Of Mice and Men, He uses imagery in all sorts of manners to create a realistic setting and plot. His portrayal of migrant workers and their everyday problems during the depression are quite accurate due too his use of imagery with idioms, dreams, nature, loneliness and animal imagery.
Bless Me Ultima Essay Research Paper Talfud
Bless Me Ultima Essay, Research Paper Talfud once said that, Men see in their dreams only that what is suggested by their own thought. In Bless Me Ultima, the passage after Narciso s death is crucial in understanding that Antonio processes his conflicts in his dreams. This passage is key for the understanding that Antonio s dreams are his way of processing his conflict between the Catholic God and the Golden Carp.
TS EliotImagery And Preludes Essay Research Paper
T. S. Eliot ? Imagery of Preludes In T. S. Eliot?s poem Preludes he portrays the alienation of the individual from society. His imagery is sharp and clear and he uses many techniques to achieve this. A clear description of what something is, can be pictured in the mind by his precise use of imagery. For example, the words, ??withered leaves?(7) gives a clear image, as does, ??dingy shades?(22).
Animal Farm As A Satire Essay Research
Paper ANIMAL FARM Animal Farm is a fable of our time full of meanings and messages relating to the importance of freedom in any society. The story light-heartily uses a farm and the rebellion of its mistreated animals to symbolize a much more serious issue. George Orwell expresses his own political opinions in a clever and interesting way, that allows reader s of all ages have an understanding of what really is a complex situation.
King Lear Essay Research Paper Animal Imagery
King Lear Essay, Research Paper Animal Imagery in King Lear In the play King Lear by William Shakespeare, a collection of images are used to express different points Shakespeare is trying to relay to his audience. One reoccurring image is that of animal images. Shakespeare incorporates these animal images when King Lear and many of the other characters in the play talk about Goneril and Regan and the animals that Lear and the other characters compare the two sisters to are not very pretty.
Romeo And Juliet Imagery Of Love Essay
, Research Paper Romeo and Juliet: Imagery of Love William Shakespeare’s play, “The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet,” is the story of two “star crossed” lovers who both meet a tragic end. Romeo and Juliet is a tragedy; however, the poetic and vivid manner in which Shakespeare engages the viewer or reader make this a beautiful play.
Imagery And Mood Of The Pearl Essay
, Research Paper Imagery and Mood of The Pearl In the book The Pearl, John Steinbeck shows how imagery can be used to produce mood. Steinbeck uses many different images to establish the mood of the story through mainly his choice of words and details of the setting. He puts an image in the reader’s mind, which sets on atmosphere for the setting.
Animal Experimentation 2 Essay Research Paper Lab
Animal Experimentation 2 Essay, Research Paper Lab experimentation involving animals is inhumane. Animal testing is cruel because an animal s life is just as important as a human s life, people are exploiting animals, and animal testing doesn t show whether or not a product is safe for humans.
Miss Julie Essay Research Paper In Miss
Miss Julie Essay, Research Paper In Miss Julie, by August Strindberg wrote about the naturalistic view of human behavior. He symbolizes the behavior through animal imagery. The animal image Strindberg uses helps him exemplify his naturalistic view.
Women In The Victorian Era Essay Research
Paper In the Victorian Era (1832-1901), women faced many challenges. Women were not treated as they are today. They were treated unfairly and not heard. There was a need for women to express their own needs as human beings, and finally overcome their hardship. But the question remained, what was their position in life? Two pieces of literature that deal with this topic are A Dolls House by Henrik Ibsen and A Woman s Thoughts about Women by Dinah Maria Mulock.
Sight
& Blindness Imagery In Oedipus Rex Essay, Research Paper Sight and blindness Imagery in ?Oedipus Rex? In this play written by Sophocles called Oedipus Rex, sight/blindness imagery is used as a form of ignorance. In this play, there is allot of ignorance. Some examples of this are when Oedipus talks with Tiresias about who had killed Laius, and when he discovers the truth about his love and about his parents.
The Yellow WallPaper Essay Research Paper The
The Yellow Wallpaper Essay, Research Paper ?The Yellow Wallpaper? A major theme in ?The Yellow Wallpaper? by Charlotte Perkins Gilman is that solitary confinement and exclusion from the public results in insanity. The use of imagery and setting helps illustrate this theme throughout the story. The unnamed protagonist in this story suffers from a nervous disorder which is enhanced by her feeling of being trapped within a room.
Imagery Essay Research Paper Imagery is the
Imagery Essay, Research Paper Imagery is the mental image the your mind comes up with when certain words are said. In scene V (lines 94-111) of Romeo and Juliet by Shakespeare, a picture is painted
Animal Rights Essay Research Paper Animal RightsNo
Animal Rights Essay, Research Paper Animal Rights No animal should be killed unless it is for food. None of the animals of this planet deserve to die. The only animal that can do bad is humans. Just because we think we rule the world this does not mean we are allowed to kill the creatures of the world we live in. Humans believe that they are the best of all animals, this is an extremely arrogant point of view.
Animal Farm Essay Research Paper John JayEnglishGoldman5699Animal
Animal Farm Essay, Research Paper John JayEnglishGoldman5/6/99Animal Farm Animal Farm is a fable–a story usually having a moral, in which beasts talk and act like men and women. Orwell’s animal characters are both animal and human. The pigs, for example, eat mash–real pig food–but with milk in it that they have grabbed and persuaded the other animals to let them keep (a human action).
Love Song Of J Alfred Prufrock -
– Analysis Essay, Research Paper “The Love Song of J Alfred Prufrock” has some incredible and magical imagery, yet the individual images are not the guiding force or theme of the poem. The theme of the poem is Prufrock, split between two worlds, between a world of beauty and art, and one clear, cold, and calculated, “measured out? with coffeespoons,” and his indecision to reveal this split to another person.
Men And Women Are Different Essay Research
Paper Men and Women Different? Are women and men really that different? I think so. I am at a stage in my life where I think all men are after one thing. Sex. When I sit here and think about it, I really have to think, do women and men have anything in common. Women communicate in a completely different manner than women.
Barbie Doll By Marge Piercy Essay Research
Paper The poem, “Barbie Doll,” written by Marge Piercy tells the story of a young girl growing up through the adolescence stage characterized by appearances and barbarity. The author uses imagery and fluctuating tone to describe the struggles the girl is experiencing during her teenage years, and the affects that can happen.