"Everyday Use" by Alice Walker

Like many stories, Alice Walker's "Everyday Use" contains opening and closing segments which are in sharp contrast to each other. The different styles in which the first and last portions of the story represent the significant changes experienced by Maggie and her mother. These changes, brought on by a brief visit from Maggie's older, and more worldly sister, Dee.
The opening scene in "Everyday Use" presents a vivid picture of Maggie and her mother's yard. It also shows the extreme fondness the two rural women have for the yard. Maggie's mother uses the word "comfortable"(88) to describe the yard and likens it to a living room. Also described in great detail is Maggie's demeanor. She is depicted as "nervous", "homely" and "ashamed"(88). …