Prompt options for Alice Walker’s “Everyday Use”
What is the literal meaning of the two quilts to Maggie and her mother? to Dee? What symbolic meaning, if any, do they have to Maggie and her mother? Doe the quilts have any symbolic meaning to Dee?
How does the contrast between the two sisters’ appearances, personalities, lifestyles, and feelings about the quilt help to convey the story’s theme?
What is Dee’s opinion of her mother and sister? What evidence do you find of that opinion?
Discuss the possible meanings, aside from their literal meanings, that each of the following suggest: the family’ yard, Maggie’ burn scars, the trunk in which the quilts are kept, Dee’s Polaroid camera. What symbolic functions do these items serve in the story?
Be sure to focus on one prompt in your Journal response.
