Introducing
Your new presentation assistant.
Refine, enhance, and tailor your content, source relevant images, and edit visuals quicker than ever before.
Trending searches
"Everyday Use" Plot Chart
3,774
"Everyday Use" Plot Chart
Gina Canavan
Climax
The highest point of interest in "Everyday Use" takes place when Mama takes the quotes from Wangero and gives them to Maggie because she would use the quilts for their intended purpose, as opposed to Dee who would just hang them. Dee grew up never hearing the word no, and came home asking for symbols of her heritage. Dee was anything but genuine about this, and Mama decided it was time to tell her no for once.
Falling Action
Rising Action
Maggie is in awe of how she was given the quilts by her mother over Dee. Mama also tells Dee to take two of the other quilts, and she responds by telling her mother and sister that they do not understand their heritage. This is an example of irony considering the fact that Dee wants to understand her heritage through misusing material objects after she rejects a family name.
Mama and Maggie wait for Dee until her car arrives. Mama fantasizes about what it would be like if Dee showed appreciation for her, but knows her dream is far fetched. Mama also flashbacks to their old house burning down with Maggie in the fire and Dee just watching from outside, showing how little she appreciated her family home. Dee and her boyfriend finally arrive and introduce themselves; Dee introduces herself with her new name Wangero, since her family name was one of oppresion, and her boyfriend Hakim-a-barber. Once in the house, Wangero begins asking for symbols of her heritage to keep in her own home. An object in particular are the quilts that Mama told Wangero she could not have because they were for Maggie. Maggie tells Wangero she can have the quilts and gives them to her.
Resolution
Exposition
Dee leaves thinking she has had the last word about what her mom and sister need to do about appreciating their heritage, but Mama and Maggie know the right choice was made by keeping the quilts. Maggie and Mama contently watch Dee leave and spend time together like a real family until it was time for bed.
Setting: Just swept yard in the 1960s
Characters:
Dee- sophisticated, educated child who "made it" and was never told no
Maggie- less sophisticated and educated, but understands the meaning of her heritage even though she has never had much
Mama- considered made for a man's job; she sees right through Dee and knows her daughter well; wants to impress Dee.
Situation:Maggie and Mama are waiting for Dee
Point of View: Mama