False Virtue Anonymous 12th Grade

Alice Walker’s short story "Everyday Use" is set in Southern United States during the 1960’s to 1970’s, a time recognized for its importance in the Black Power Movement. After returning from college, Dee showcases a newfound love towards her Afro-centric roots, one she did not display while growing up in her mother’s home. Walker utilizes the multiple settings that the Johnson family each comes from to characterize the personality of Dee and her misunderstanding of the Black Power Movement. The sudden change in reactions and impressions that Dee expresses towards her old home before leaving for college and current home after returning highlight the lack of sincerity behind Dee’s sudden affinity towards African culture.

Before Dee left for college, the mother recounts how Dee “had hated the house that much” (1227). The mother worries that the similarities between the new house and its predecessor will anger Dee. The lack of actual windows, the pasture setting, and the tin roof of the house were not the material items that the mother remembers Dee used to obsess over. Rather, Mrs. Johnson feels Dee would want to “tear it down”, presumably due to the lack of sophistication the house emanates (1228). This gives a sense that Dee...