hi i was wondering if anyone could comment on my essay so I can make improvements (trying to get a high mark!!!)
the question is:
Analyze and discuss the importance and function of symbolism What is symbolic, and how does it function? What meanings surround this symbol, and do they change over the course of the story? Is a particular character associated with this symbol? How important to the story's meaning is this symbol?
In the short story, "Everyday Use", author Alice Walker uses everyday use items to portrait the symbolism in this story. These items have different meanings and reaction to the main characters, which contrast; simple and practical use, to stylish decorations. The main characters in this story are Mrs. Johnson, Maggie and Dee. Each has their opposing views on the value and worth of the various items in their lives, the author uses this conflict to make the point that the substance of an object, and of people, is more important than style.
Alice walker uses the quilts as the main Symbolism for this story and as mentioned above each character has a different opinion on what these quilts mean to them. Quilts as we know; can be used as either a type of sheet for your bed or could be used as a decoration. The quilt in this story represents their culture. These quilts were passed down through generations of the family, thus making them very unique, irreplaceable and priceless (75). Other symbols in the story are: the churn, the bench, and the dasher. All three of these items have gained imprints on them from overburden use of them. This plays a very important role for it shows us that these items have been altered, making them more convenient and practical. (73-74)
Towards the end of the story, the mother must make a choice as to whom to give the quilt which they will hold for generations. While both characters are deserving of the quilt, both have different ideas as to what to do with them. Dee knows that these items are priceless pieces of tradition and heritage. She wants them to hang for decoration (75) Dee also quotes "She'd probably be backward enough to put them to everyday use." (76). the fact that Dee only wants to hang them on a wall to be looked at defines the argument the author is trying to make. If Maggie takes the quilts she will defiantly use them and they might rip or become completely useless; while if Dee takes the quilts she will use them as decorations and they will no longer be improved and they also would become useless in the sense that they are not in any us. I believe that; author Alice Walker intended for Maggie to have the quilts as they would be in everyday use and would represent use of their heritage.
The symbols in this story play a significant roll, without the symbols there would be no conflict Dee would have really came to visit her mother to say hi. The symbols in this story are not too rich in detail but when you do see a symbol they always indicate some sign of overburdened usage (73-74-75) thus making them a part of everyday use . Overall the symbols represented heritage. Is it better to live your heritage or to simply take a token of it? Dee was acting like a tourist; she walked into her mother's house and took items that she would not use but instead make art out of them.
You don't need the commas around the title in that first paragraph.
These items have different meanings and reaction to the main characters, so that characters react to them in contrasting ways; which contrast; simple and...
Each has their opposing views on the value and worth of the various items in their lives, and the author uses this conflict to make the point that the substance of an object, and of people, is more important than style.---Nice thesis statement!
Alice walker uses the quilts as the main Symbolism for this story and as mentioned above each character has a different opinion on what these quilts mean to them. Quilts as we know; can be used as either a type of sheet for your bed or could be used as a decoration. The quilt in this story represents their culture. These quilts were passed down through generations of the family, thus making them very unique, irreplaceable and priceless (75). Other symbols in the story are: the churn, the bench, and the dasher. All three of these items have gained imprints on them from overburden use of them. This plays a very important role for it shows us that these items have been altered, making them more convenient and practical. (73-74) (Right here, add a sentence that shows how the content of this paragraph supports your thesis statement. Know what I mean? Add a sentence that tells why this paragraph proves the thesis statement is true)
Again.. revise this so that it supports the thesis statement... or add another sentence to the end of the paragraph: ... believe that; author Alice Walker intended for Maggie to have the quilts as they would be in everyday use and would represent use of their heritage.
:-)
