Everyday Use

The way in which a parent raises their child has a direct impact on the way the child perceives itself as well as how siblings perceive each other. In addition, the social atmosphere surrounding the child and any major crisis’s that happen in their life, contribute to this perception.
In the story “ Everyday Use” by Alice Walker, the daughters, “Dee” and “Maggie” are affected by all three criteria. The mother of these girls makes a life changing action due to the perception that the daughters have of themselves and each other. She realizes that how she handles the particular situation of the “quilt” will directly effect the confidence of her youngest daughter.
The past crisis that affected the two daughters was a fire that burned down their house. This crisis not only has a direct effect on Maggie’s perception of herself, but also reveals Dee’s personality to her mother. The mother remembers how she carried Maggie out of the burning flames and ho...