Symbolism in Everyday Use by Alice Walker

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Symbolism is the use of symbols to signify ideas and qualities by giving them symbolic meanings that are different from the literal sense. Symbols are used all over the world not only in stories but symbols are also used by helping people understand that some chemicals may be toxic by showing a skull on it. Others may have a recycling symbol to help the environment. You may not notice these kinds of symbols but if you pay close attention you’ll understand how these things are useful. Deaf individuals understand the world way better by having these symbols around to help them understand what they are useful for, because they are not able to communicate with other people. Symbols are very useful when driving they help us understand when to go, slowdown, and stop. Without these symbols there would probably be more car crashes then there are today. Symbols also help us by having crossing guards and telling us when and where not to go, because without them it would reduce the amount of deaths caused by other human beings. Symbols help notify doctors when a patient shows signs that something terrifying is happening. Without symbols the world would be a little more complicated, because people wouldn’t know what do or where to go.

Mama Johnson and Maggie receive a letter from Dee saying she is coming home for the first time in years. As Dee arrives she looks different with all of her vibrant clothes; she explains she is a new woman. Dee and her friend, Hakim-A-Barber, both have converted to Muslim. Dee looks around her old home and asks to keep everyday items as art. Eventually she goes to the quilts their grandmother stitched and Dee doesn’t want Maggie to have them, because she

thinks she doesn’t her heritage. Mama Johnson takes th...

... middle of paper ...

...em and move on.

Works Cited

Accessteacher. “What is the main Symbolism in ‘Everyday Use’ by Alice Walker,” Enotes. N.p., 31 Aug 2010. Web. 17 March 2014.

Bmad,Nick. “Symbolism in Walker’s ‘Everyday Use’?”Enotes.N.p., 4 July 2007. Web. 17 Mar 2014.

Foleylan.“Conflict, Irony, and Symbolism in Alice Walker’s ‘Everyday Use.’“ Student mode. N.p., Jun 2012. Web. 17 Mar 2014.

Moore, Julie. “Heritage and Symbolism in Alice Walker’s ‘Everyday Use’ “ YAHOO! VOICES. Yahoo, Inc., May 2007. Web. 17 Mar 2014.

Walker, Alice. “Everyday Use” Heritage of American Literature Ed. Miller Vol 2.Austin Harcourt Brace Jovanovich 1991. 714 print

White, David. “‘Everyday Use’: Defining African American Heritage.” luminarium. AnninaJokinen, 19 Sep 2002 web 17 Mar 2014.

Writework Editors.Symbolism in ‘Everyday Use’ by ALICE Walker” Writework.N.p., May 2006. Web. 17 Mar 2014.

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