“Everyday Use” by Alice Walker
In 500-600 words, explain how symbolism is used in one of the stories you read in this lesson.
In 500-600 words, explain how symbolism is used in one of the stories you read in this lesson.
Your essay should be a cohesive response (purposeful paragraphs, one unifying thesis, not list-like) to the use of symbolism to create meaning. Questions to consider include the following:
- What symbol(s) did you notice in this story?
- What “big ideas” do the symbols represent?
- How do the symbols relate to the story’s meaning or overall theme?
- Can these symbols be interpreted in more than one way?
Your first paragraph should include (a) the name of the story and author, (b) a one or two sentence summary of the story and (c) your thesis statement or main point about the symbols used in the story.
Your essay should be written in academic style (no first or second person, academic language, use of MLA formatting) and include examples or quotes from the story.
Chapters 2, 3 and 4 in your textbook have additional information on developing a thesis statement, using quotations, and citing sources.
Do not consult any source other than the story for this assignment.
List the story on your Works Cited page and use in-text citations containing the page number in your essay.
Answer preview“Everyday Use” by Alice Walker
“Everyday Use” is an article written by Alice Walker and published in 1973. Alice Walker takes the readers in the life of the family and the African American Heritage. She takes the mind of the reader back to the ancient African American way life by using quilts which symbolic. The quilts were made by big – Dee (Dee’s great grandmother) and later used by her grandpa as a uniform during the Civil War. Then it promised to Maggie during her wedding. The article also depicts how heritage is passed from the great-grandparents to grandchildren. In “Everyday Use,” Alice Walker uses symbolism to convey her message about cultural heritage.
Symbolism involves using symbols…
(600 words)