Alice Walker's "Everyday Use" Discussion Questions

Mama's language matches both her limited schooling as well as her indomitable spirit. She sees through her daughter Dee's manipulations. She has no illusions about her life. She accepts her life and, at times, cherishes it. Mama distinguishes between the fantasy of her Johnny Carson dream and her reality. She admits that in real life she is big boned, stronger than most men, and mild tempered. There is a quiet sincerity about Mama that earns her the reader’s respect early in her narrative. She is loving, forgiving, independent and frank.