Everyday Use Characterization

In Alice Walker’s short story, “Everyday Use”, we see 3 variations of characterization. The most prominent characterization is of Mama. She is described as a masculine woman, rejecting the traditional role of a female. Throughout the story you can see what Mamas views on heritage and tradition are. Walker’s purpose in writing this story is to creatively give a visual on how important family relationships are, and how the different between members brought to light over time can create conflict.
She characterizes Mama with pride in being a hardy woman. She is proud of the fact that she has raised two girls as a single parent. She has also worked as hard as any man could work, “In real life I am a large, big-boned woman with rough, man-working hands.” Mama is seen like this
Dee tries to be ‘true’ to her heritage, but actually manages to wander off in the opposite direction. Mama notices this and just spectates her daughter’s lost. Mama wanted a loving and grateful daughter, but Dee’s time away changed her and made her blind to her true heritage. Mama doesn't understand why Dee has changed. This causes the conflict between her and her daughter to become greater, and results in an argument in the meaning and pricelessness of handmade family artifacts. In the end, Mama is the one who has always been true to her heritage.
Alice Walker develops Mama’s characterization from just watching her daughters be, to actually taking part and confronting Dee and helping Maggie in the end. Mama’s characterization fulfills Walker’s purpose by accepting Wangero, and becoming aware that she doesn’t need to depend on Dee anymore. She realises the importance of her and Maggie’s relationship, by standing for Maggie. As Mama’s character changes so does the characterization her Maggie and Dee. Mama’s characterization is the pillar of support for the story’s meaning in importance of relationships and how time can change someone and their