Everyday Use | Short Essay Answer Key

Short Essay Answer Key

1. In Alice Walker's "Everyday Use," who is the antagonist of the story and what identifies that character as the antagonist?

In Alice Walker's "Everyday Use," the antagonist of the story is Dee/Wangero and what identifies her as the antagonist is her conflict with the other characters. Dee is ashamed of her family's poverty and lack of education and hates their house. She thinks her mother and sister don't understand their heritage. She gets mad and leaves when her mother gives the family heirloom quilts to her sister, Maggie, instead of to her.

2. Who is the protagonist of "Everyday Use" and what identifies that character as the protagonist?

Ms. Johnson, the mother in the story, is the protagonist of "Everyday Use" and what identifies her as the protagonist is her status as the viewpoint character in the story. In addition, Ms. Johnson is the...
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