Animal Imagery in Alice Walker's "Everyday Use"

Alice Walker's short story "Everyday Use" delves into the complexities of family dynamics and cultural heritage through the perspective of a middle-aged black woman, the mother of two daughters: Maggie and Dee. While exploring the themes of identity, heritage, and the clash of values, Walker skillfully employs animal imagery to parallel the characteristics of the three female characters in the story.

The Mother as a Cow

The mother, who serves as the story's narrator, is metaphorically compared to a cow. Early in the narrative, she provides a self-description, stating, "In real life, I am a large, big-boned woman, with rough, man-working hands.

.. my fat keeps me hot in zero weather, I can work outside all day" (149). This vivid description draws parallels between the mother's physical attributes and those of a cow. Her size, big-boned structure, and rough hands all evoke the image of a cow, a sturdy and hardworking animal.

Furthermore, the mother reminisces about her past, expressing her fondness for milking cows: "Cows are soothing and slow and don't bother you unless you try to milk them the wrong way" (150).

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This reflection underscores the common characteristics shared by the mother and cows. It highlights her resilience and adaptability, much like the cow's ability to endure varying weather conditions. The mother's choice to live in the middle of a cow pasture further reinforces the cow imagery, emphasizing her connection to this animal.

Additionally, the mother's role as an older black woman can be interpreted in the context of historical stereotypes, where black women were often regarded as "breeders" akin to cows due to their perceived value in terms of reproduction.

This nuanced layer of imagery adds depth to the mother's character and her relationship to her heritage.

Maggie as a Dog and an Elephant

Maggie, the younger daughter, is characterized through animal imagery as well. She is portrayed as a shy, heavyset individual lacking in self-confidence. The mother compares her gait to that of a lame animal, specifically a dog that has been run over by a careless driver: "Have you ever seen a lame animal, perhaps a dog run over by some careless person rich enough to own a car, sidle up to someone who is ignorant enough to be kind to him? That is the way Maggie walks" (149). This comparison underscores Maggie's innocence, obedience, and susceptibility to influence, all traits shared with the dog.

Dee, Maggie's sister, also contributes to the characterization of Maggie, describing her as having a brain like an elephant (151). Elephants are often associated with slowness and perceived uselessness. Dee's description reinforces the image of Maggie as a timid and unassertive individual who lacks confidence and agency in her own life.

Collectively, these animal comparisons depict Maggie as a character marked by innocence, obedience, and a lack of self-assuredness, making her a stark contrast to her confident and ambitious sister, Dee.

Dee as a Bird and a Sheep

Dee, the eldest daughter, is portrayed using animal imagery that aligns with her character's attributes. She is depicted as attractive, driven, and desiring a better life. The mother describes Dee's voice as "sweet as a bird" (151), drawing a parallel between Dee's beauty and free-spirited nature and the qualities of a bird, which is often associated with beauty and freedom.

Furthermore, Dee's hair is likened to the wool of a sheep: "It stands straight up like the wool on a sheep" (150). Sheep are considered useful, alert, active, and valuable animals. This comparison reflects Dee's ambition and desire for self-improvement, aligning her with the positive qualities attributed to sheep.

However, it is worth noting that Dee's ambitions and her disconnect from her cultural heritage are also evident. She wishes to hang the family quilts on the wall as decorative artifacts, emphasizing their artistic value over their utilitarian purpose. In contrast, Maggie, who intends to put the quilts to everyday use, demonstrates a deeper understanding and appreciation of their cultural significance.

Dee's lack of connection to her roots and her misunderstanding of her family's heritage position her as the "black sheep" of the family. While she possesses admirable qualities, her failure to grasp the importance of preserving her heritage sets her apart from her mother and sister.

The Narrative Perspective

The narrative perspective of "Everyday Use" is crucial to the story's thematic richness and the reader's understanding of the characters. The first-person narration, provided by the mother, offers insights into all three women: herself, Maggie, and Dee. This narrative style allows readers to delve into the complexities of family dynamics and cultural heritage, as seen through the eyes of the mother.

By using animal imagery to depict the characters, Walker enables readers to draw parallels between animal characteristics and human traits. The coexistence of animals and humans throughout history adds depth to our understanding of the characters' personalities and the cultural context of the story.

Conclusion

Alice Walker's "Everyday Use" employs animal imagery to intricately characterize the three female protagonists and explore themes of identity, heritage, and family dynamics. Through these vivid comparisons, Walker invites readers to contemplate the complex interplay of human and animal traits within the characters.

The mother's cow-like attributes, Maggie's associations with a dog and an elephant, and Dee's likening to a bird and a sheep contribute to the story's thematic depth. The narrative perspective offered by the mother enhances our understanding of these women, highlighting their strengths and shortcomings.

In essence, "Everyday Use" is a testament to Alice Walker's storytelling prowess, as she weaves a thought-provoking narrative enriched with animal imagery to illuminate the intricacies of human nature and cultural heritage.