Jane Doe
Professor Martin
English 1302-WW1
15 September 2005
Text: “Everyday Use”
Passage: “I did something I never had done before: hugged Maggie to me, then dragged her on into the room, snatched the quilts from Miss Wangeroo’s hands and dropped them into Maggie’s lap” (Walker 389).
Question: How are the quilts symbolic to Maggie and Mama’s silent bond?
Issue: Issue of Symbolism. When speaking of the quilts Mama’s tone is very soft because they hold an emotional value. Therefore instead of allowing someone unappreciative like Dee have them she would rather Maggie have them knowing she will understand. When Mama snatches the quilts from Dee’s hands to Maggie’s lap they symbolize Mama’s love for Maggie as well as the union they share.
Critical Approach: Psychoanalytic Criticism. A mother and daughter form a bond based on relation to one another. Mama and Maggie are two peas in a pod, which is shown throughout the story. They have the same fears, dreams, and ability in life. Mama and Maggie also share insecurities from childhood experiences forming trust between them. Dee is the child with high aspirations and almost snobbish attitude making Mama and Maggie feel inferior to her. This gives reasoning behind the bond between Maggie and Mama. Mama reacts to Dee in a different manner than usual for the reason that she is tired of allowing Dee domination in the house. The finality brings Mama and Maggie closer together because they have both defeated Dee in a sense.
Answer: Walker portrays Mama and Maggie’s characters as being apprehensive and fearful of Dee. As the story moves on a connection between Mama and Maggie is extremely recognizable, but never spoken of or printed in actual text. In concluding the story Walker uses the quilts as a symbol of that connection. Those particular quilts were handmade and put together by her mother, piece by piece, mismatching and original, which is how she sees herself and Maggie. Those views are what place the significance on their relationship and form their strong bond.