Alice Walker was born in Georgia in 1944 to poor sharecroppers. She was the eighth child. Walker graduated from high school at the top of her class. She was awarded a scholarship to Spelman College. Walker transferred from Spelman to Sarah Lawrence College in New York. She graduated with a B.A. in 1965. Walker is noted for her prize winning novels Meridian and The Color Purple.
Basic Passage
“Maggie will be nervous until after her sister goes: she will stand hopelessly in corners, homely and ashamed of the burn scars down her arms and legs, eying her sister with a mixture of envy and awe. She thinks her sister has held life always in the palm of one hand, that “no” is a word the world never learned to say to her.”
In this passage, it is evident that Maggie and her sister, Dee, don’t see eye to eye. Maggie is envious of her sister because she believes that Dee always gets her way.
Correlation
I can relate a little bit to this passage. I have an older sister who always used to say that I always get away with stuff or that our parents are always buying me stuff because I’m the youngest. My sister used to call me ‘spoiled.’ We used to get into arguments all the time about this. I have never considered myself spoiled because I didn’t and don’t ask my parents to buy me things or throw temper tantrums when I don’t get my way. My parents didn’t and don’t treat any of us kids any differently. I believe that my sister was just jealous because she wasn’t the “little girl” of the house anymore. Despite our disagreements in the past, today my sister and I get along and she doesn’t call me “spoiled” anymore because she knows that I’m not.
(1). Identify the cause of human suffering-tragedy
I guess that the cause of human suffering is the fact that Maggie got hurt in the fire and that she and her sister don’t get along.
(2). How can the tragedy be turned into a comedy?
The tragedy can be turned into a comedy if Maggie hadn’t gotten hurt in the fire and if she and her sister got along.
(3). Identify the cause of joy or happiness- comedy
Alice walker was born in Georgia. She graduated from high school at the top of her class. She graduated from Lawrence college in New York with a B.A. in 1965. She also wrote the color purple.
Basic Passage
"Maggie smiled; maybe at the sunglasses. But a real smile, not scared."
The smile I feel had nothing to do with the sunglasses, I think she was overjoyed at the fact that her mother stood up for her, and made her feel appreciated and like she mattered just as much as Dee. I don;t think Maggie had very many moments like this, I think that for the first time she is feeling a little pride in herself. And maybe feeling a bit like for a change Dee was envious of her, because she had the Dee wanted. The tables turned and it feels good to her so she sits back, smiles and enjoys it.
Correlation
I can correlate somewhat to this. I have a baby brother who gets everything he wants, he is held much higher than I am, and trust me he is no better than I am, it's just that he is the baby boy, there fore he is spoiled rotten!! Anyway it is tough sometimes, when you have to watch your siblings get all they ever want, and you have to struggle and earn what you get.
1)Identify the cause of human suffering-tragedy The tragedy begins with them losing their home and Maggie being burned, this accident,seems to be the root of alot of their problems.
2)How can the tragedy be turned into a comedy? If Dee would have agreed to get other quilts, than the ones promised to Maggie, without having a fit about it.
3)Identify the cause of joy or happiness- comedy
Maggie enjoying her proud moment, at the end of the story.
Alice Walker was born in 1944 in Georgia. She was the eighth child of impoverished black sharecroppers. She was encouraged by her mother to gain an education and become a writer. After graduating from college she moved to Mississippi, where she taught writing and black literature and joined in efforts to improve welfare rights and increase voter registration among the South.
Passage:
“Well, I say. Dee” “No, Mama,” she says. “Not ‘Dee,’ Wangero Leewanika Kemanjo!” “What happened to ‘Dee’?” I want to know. “She’s dead,” Wangero said. “I couldn’t bear it any longer, being named after the people who oppress me.”
This passage stood out the most to me because of what Dee did. It must have devastating for Dee’s mother after discovering her daughter changed her given name. Dee is telling her mother that the family and the name she was given was not good enough for her. I get a feeling that Dee is very ashamed of her mother and of how she grew up.
Correlation: I find it sad that someone would change their name that was given to them by their parents. I think that the name your parents give to you is very important; it is a piece of you that shouldn’t be changed especially your first name. By changing your name shows me that you are hiding something about yourself. The movie Sweet Home Alabama is a perfect example of what Dee did. In the movie the daughter does the exact same thing.
Questions:
1.) Identify the cause of tragedy or human suffering. The tragedy of the story would be how Maggie got burned in the fire. Also I think Dee being ashamed of her mother and family is a tragedy.
2.) How can this tragedy be turned into a comedy? It could be turned into a comedy if Maggie would have never gotten burned by the house fire and Dee never changed her name.
3.) Identify the cause of Joy or happiness? The joy of the story is how the mother stud up to her daughter Dee about how the quilts going to Maggie when she gets married.
Alice Walker was born in Georgia to a sharecropper family. She graduated at the top of her high school class and went to college to get her B.A. She is known for her writing of black literature and stereotypes.
Basic Passage
“She thinks her sister has held life always in the palm of one hand, that ‘no’ is a word the world never learned to say to her.”
In this passage, the mother is referring to how her daughter Maggie thinks of her sister Dee. Dee was prettier, smarter, and all around more favored. Maggie had burn scars, was not as smart, and was definitely not the favorite of the family.
Correlate
I think everyone who has a sibling can relate to this passage. However, those who don’t have siblings can relate to it as well. Have you ever seen that person and thought “I bet the grass is a lot greener on their side”. Sure you have. I believe the problem with those people… the people who are always comparing themselves to someone better… they brought it upon themselves. Those who have the good life are confident and don’t think of life in terms of luck like Maggie does. Personally it annoys me to no end when someone says “Well I’m not smart like you! Or I don’t have the motivation like you! Etc etc” Well… whose fault is that? Yours. You have to work your strengths… not focus on your weaknesses… and I think Maggie deserved every bit of how she was treated. I don’t she even deserved the quilts at the end! She didn’t stand up for herself or make herself special in anyway, what did she deserve anyhow?
(1). Identify the cause of human suffering-tragedy
The way Maggie cannot stand up for herself, she lets her scars rule her life
(2). How can the tragedy be turned into a comedy?
It is kind of a comedy. Dee didn’t get the quilts so the joke is on her.
(3). Identify the cause of joy or happiness- comedy
That someone in the family managed to be successful, Dee. Even though he is a very unlikable character, you can’t deny she made something of herself.
Author: Alice walker was born in Georgia in 1944. She was encouraged by her mother to gain an education and become a writer. She graduated from Lawrence college in New York. She is well known for her writing of black literature. She won a prize for her novels Meridian and The Color Purple.
Passage: ”Have you ever seen a lame animal, perhaps a dog run over by some careless person rich enough to own a car, sidle up to someone who is ignorant enough to be kind to him? That is the way my Maggie walks. She has been like this, chin on chest, eyes on ground, feet in shuffle, ever since the fire that burned the other house to the ground.”
Correlation: I can relate to this passage when I am at a place that makes me feel uncomfortable. For instance: when I was a real young I was shy for some reason and when my parents brought me to meet new people like at one of there jobs or even at a family reunion, I wanted to keep to myself. Growing up I quickly grew out of that stage but off and on I still feel a little shyness. The last time I recall feeling real shy was my first day in High school because I was over weight. Time did pass on and I learned that I am as good as anyone else. I walk with my head held high now.
1)Identify the cause of human suffering-tragedy Maggie didn’t have any friends and her sister Dee didn’t get along with her.
2)How can the tragedy be turned into a comedy? If Dee would have the scares rather than Maggie.
3)Identify the cause of joy or happiness- comedy I didn’t find any joy or happiness .
Alice Walker was encouraged by her mother, who supported her desore to gain an education and become a writer. She graduated at the top of her class and received a scholarship to Spelman College for women in Atlanta, Georgia. Her forst publication appeared in 1966, an essay on the civil rights movement. Two years later she wrote her first book. Walker is best known for her prize winning novels Meridian and the Color Purple.
Basic Passage:
"In real life I am a big boned woman with rough, man working hands. I am the way my daughter would want me to be: a hundred pounds lighter, my skin like an uncooked barley pancake. My hair glistens in the hot bright lights.
This passage clearly states the fact that the Dee wanted her mother to be something she is not. I really like how the mother comes across saying this the way she does. It is as if she is perfectly content with the fact she is who she is, NOT who "perfect" Dee wants her to be. I really admire the fact that the mother is proud of who she is and can stand proud, no matter if her daughter, DEE is ashamed of her or not. The mother is definitely a strong willed person and loves the fact that she is comfortable in her own skin.
Correlation:
I can really relate to this passage, as a whole because I have had plenty of people throughout my life, try to make me someone I am not. I am comfortable with what I stand for and who I am inside, but whether it be my Mother or a boyfriend, I am who I am and they have tried to change things about me that were NOT ME!! I have a lot of dislikes about who I am and about myself, but thats what makes me , ME is the bad, as well as the good parts about me. I will NOT ever change who I am for anybody, because If you are not satisfied within yourself, then how can anyone else ever be satisfied with you?
1. Identify the cause of human suffering in this story? The fact that Dee is trying to make her mother someone she is NOT.
2. How can this tragedy be turned into a comedy? It already is due to the fact that the mother is so comfortable with herself and loves the fact that during the winter she wears flannel nightgowns and overalls during the day. I love IT!!
3.Identify the cause of joy or happiness? the act that the Mothe is very confident and does not try to peform for ANYONE and she truly lives out the saying" What you see is definitely what you get!"
In response to CHLOE... I really agree with you when you state the fact that you have to focus on your strengths and not your weaknesses. Just as much as your strengths make you who you are so does your weaknesses. EVERYONE has strengths and EVERYONE has weaknesses, but it is all in what you decide to do with those srengths and weaknesses that determine your life. You can dwell on your weaknesses or be strong in who you ARE and STAND FIRM and persevere through your STRENGTHS!!!
Bio: Alice Walker was born in 1944 to poor share croppers in Georgia. She was the 8th child in an impoverished home. She taught writing and black literature in Mississippi. Her first publication appeared in 1966. She is most famous for “The Color Purple”.
Basic Passage: “She can always make some more,” I said. “Maggie knows how to quilt.” Dee (Wangeroo) a quilt when she went away to college. Then she had told me they were old-fashioned, out of style.
The mother is telling her daughter Dee (Wangeroo) the reasons she wants her other daughter Maggie to have her old quilts. Dee is arguing this, because she is dead set on getting these quilts, and Dee is used to getting what she wants.
Correlation: This reminds me of the person who always gets what they want, finally not getting something. Dee may actually appreciate the quilts better because she thinks they represent her heritage, but they are still supposed to belong to Maggie. Dee says she wants to preserve the quilts, and all Maggie will do is use them everyday and use them. Then the mother says “She can always make more” which seems to symbolize that Maggie will move on with her life not live in the past.
(1). Identify the cause of human suffering-tragedy The tragedy is how one sister is so fortunate and has everything, and the other is the exact opposite. It is also tragic how Dee is embarrassed of her family.
(2). How can the tragedy be turned into a comedy? If both the sisters were as fortunate as Dee, and they appreciated and embraced where they came from.
(3). Identify the cause of joy or happiness- comedy This story is a comedy for Dee because she is blessed. It is a comedy until she doesn’t get the quilts. It then turns into a comedy for Maggie and the mother.
Difficulties: I had no difficulties with this story
Response to jodgers: I completely agree with you. You cannot change who you are just to please other people. If people truly care for you then they will accept you the way you are.
Walker was born in Georgia and is the eighth child of poor sharecroppers. She graduated at the top of her class and received a scholarship to Spelman College in New York. She graduated with a B.A. in 1965 and returned to Mississippi to teach writing and black literature.
Basic Passage
"You just don't understand," she said, as Maggie and I came out to the car. "What don't I understand?" I wanted to know. "Your heritage," she said. And then she turned to Maggie, kissed her, and said, "You ought to try to make something of yourself, too, Maggie. It's really a new day for us. But from the way you and Mama still live you'd never know it."
This passage is right after Dee is trying to take some of the old things in her family such as a quilt home. She is going to use these items for decoration in her home supposedly to remember her heritage and how oppressed she was.
Correlation
I can relate to this passage in some ways because I have a sister but I don't feel that either one of us is like Dee or Maggie. We do argue over things such as borrowing clothes, but the relationship between Dee and Maggie in the story is completely different. Maggie doesn't really take up for herself she was going to let Dee or Wangero take her quilts. It was the mother who had to take up for Maggie. Dee changed her name because she felt she couldn't live any longer under the name of those who oppressed her. But Dee has come to take some of the things her Aunt Dee made to use them for wall hangings in her home. I feel that she is just trying to show others how far she has come and what an awful life she had before. She is not really trying to cherish her heritage but only put herself above it.
1. The tragedy is the pain the mother and Maggie have went through from Dee burning their first home and then coming back to belittle them by taking the things they still use everyday.
2. I feel that is was turned into a comedy because Dee didn't get what she wanted in the end.
3. The cause of joy is that Maggie was able to keep her quilts.
Alice Walker was born in 1944 in Georgia to impoverished black sharecroppers. She won the Pulitzer Prize for The Color Purple. She is also a black feminist.
Basic Passage
"And then the two of us sat there just enjoying, until it was time to go in the house and go to bed."
In the last line of the poem the narrator and Maggie sit back and enjoy their victory. They have just stood up to Dee who never hears the word no. And it feels good.
Correlation
I think most people can identify with this at some point in their lives. Being scared or unable to confront some one is a miserable feeling. When a person finally takes a stand it can be scary because the outcome may be good or bad. Either way when it is done there is a feeling of relief that you were at least strong enough to say something.
Tragedy-- Dee is selfish and hurts other people.
Turned to a Comedy by standing up to Dee when she was younger.
I agree with you, I don't think Maggie had many moments like this and it must have really good. Dee probably did feel envious of Maggie for getting the quilts and had never felt that way before.
I agree with you when you say that you need to work on your strengths and try not to focus on your weaknesses. I think that if people wouldn’t compare themselves to other that they would be better off. If only people would focus on what they want and not what someone else wants, I think that their strengths would play a bigger role in their life and they would be much happier.
Alice Walker is a southern African American woman born in 1944. She came from a large family of sharecroppers. Her mother encouraged her in futhering her education. Her first publication was in 1966. She published many books such as 'Once' 'In Love and Trouble' and of course, 'The Color Purple'.
Basic Passage:
"She washed us in a river of make-believe, burned us with a lot of knowledge we didn't necessarily need to know."
I felt that Dee thought that she was mentally and physically above her sister and her mother.
Correlation:
I think that this has to do with resentment. I felt this way towards my family. I was raised on a farm and I always wanted to be in the city. I thought that the hospital swichted me at birth. I always thought that if I moved to another state that no one would be able to assoicate me with my family.
1. Identify the cause of human suffering-tragedy
The fact that Dee can not accept who she is and the family that she has.
I agree with you in the angle that you have taken on your passage. Once you stand up to your fear, you feel a sence of relief and that also makes you a stronger person.
"I will NOT ever change who I am for anybody, because If you are not satisfied within yourself, then how can anyone else ever be satisfied with you?"
I agree with this statement 100%. Like you know how there is always that not-so-attractive guy that has that great personality that makes him so much more attractive? It's like that. Because he is confident, it makes us believe he is better looking when he really isn't. If your not satisfied with yourself, no one else is going to be. In the story, the mother (and the readers) see Maggie as lesser of a person than Dee because she thinks she is and therefore portrays that.
Response to Cloe: I agree when you said that, ”people who are always comparing themselves to someone better… they brought it upon themselves.” .I agree that people bring upon themselves if they are trying to compare themselves to someone that might be better than them in something. Everyone has they own unique ability and that is all they needs to focus on.
Alice was born in Georgia, the eighth child of sharecroppers. She had an aspiration to become writer. So she strived to do the best with the education she had, and was top of her high school class and received a scholarship to a college for women. Walker wrote many poems, short fiction, and novels. She received a lot of recognition from her novel “ The Color Purple”.
Basic Passage: Dee, though. She would always look anyone in the eye. Hesitation was no part of her nature. Correlation: I think this passage shows how tough Dee wants to be. She wants all her fears to be kept inside of her. Maybe fear is not an option to her to let people see. I think this is the reason why she can look into someone’s eye without hesitation. Dee just appeals to be a very strong person who wants to be seen in others eyes as strong person who is not scared of anybody.
1)I think the tragedy is that maybe Dee is ashamed of her family. 2)If everybody could be happy with how things turned out for them as a family. 3)I do not think there was any.
Comment on Celia loy: I can relate to what you saying. I went through the same thing. I only have one sister who is older and of course she envied me when I was born and received a little more attention than she did cause I was the baby. However today is a different story, I love her to death. We are so close it seems we are twins.
Walker was born in Eatonton, Georgia, United States; as well as being African American, her family has Cherokee, Scottish and Irish lineage. Not many people know about the real reason for Walker having glasses. When she was eight years old, she was playing with her brothers at her house. They accidentally shot her in the eye with a BB pellet. Her parents tried to treat the injury at home, but it only got worse. After a few days, they took her to the doctor. Unfortunately, they were too late. She was blinded in her right eye. Over time, the injury calcified and transformed into a white scar. Walker hated how this affected her appearance and how she was ridiculed for it. After high school, Walker attended Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia and graduated in 1965 from Sarah Lawrence College in Yonkers (Bronxville postal zone), New York. During her junior year, she spent a summer as an exchange student in Uganda.
Basic Passage:
“Maggie will be nervous until after her sister goes: she will stand hopelessly in corners, homely and ashamed of the burn scars down her arms and legs, eying her sister with a mixture of envy and awe. She thinks her sister has held life always in the palm of one hand, that “no” is a word the world never learned to say to her.”
This passage shows how Maggie resents her sister for her burns and scars. There is obviously a difference in personalities with them like night and day,but that difference may have come from the trama that Maggie suffered as a child due to Dee's resentment towards the old house.
Correlation:
I can relate to this passage as an older brother,seeing how my younger siblings look up to me but we are interested in different things and have different personalities.Ive done well in school with little trouble while my little brother stuggles just to make a C.
1.Identify the cause of human suffering-tragedy. The suffering is Maggies burns and resentment towards her sister. 2.How can the tragedy be turned into a comedy? If Maggie set Dee on fire and see how confident and nonschelaunt she will be in public then. 3. Identify the cause of joy or happiness- comedy. N/A
Alice walker was born 1944, in Georgia as the eight child to a poor sharecroper. She began to prove her self seperate from the other children when she graduated top of her high school class. Alice proceeded to futther her education. She recieved a scholorship to Spleman but soon transferred to Lawrence College of New york where she graduated in 1965. She is best known for her award winning novel The Color Purple.
Basic Passage
“Maggie will be nervous until after her sister goes: she will stand hopelessly in corners, homely and ashamed of the burn scars down her arms and legs, eying her sister with a mixture of envy and awe. She thinks her sister has held life always in the palm of one hand, that “no” is a word the world never learned to say to her.”
In this passage the relation ship between the Dee and Maggie is revealed. This passage shows use thr true nature of sibling rivalry.
Correlation
I can relate to this passaqge because I have an older brother who also has never been introduced to the word No. He always seemed to be the best at every thing he did. It use to drive me crazy when he could go do stuff just because he was older or a boy. Now that Iam older I realize that he looked at me the same way and that we don't always see the qualities in ourselves thats others might see and if we would just put forth the effort we can do any thing.
(1). Identify the cause of human suffering-tragedy The fact that both the mother and sister feel as though Dee is ashamed of them.
(2). How can the tragedy be turned into a comedy? If Maggie found the courage to follow her own heart and find her voice.
(3). Identify the cause of joy or happiness- comedy The fact that Maggie gets the quilts when she marries.
Alice Walker was born in Georgia in 1944 to poor sharecroppers. She was the eighth child. Walker graduated from high school at the top of her class. She was awarded a scholarship to Spelman College. Walker transferred from Spelman to Sarah Lawrence College in New York. She graduated with a B.A. in 1965. Walker is noted for her prize winning novels Meridian and The Color Purple.
"Basic Passage"
"No Moma,"she says. "Not Dee,'Wangero Leewanika Kemanjo!" "What happened to Dee'? I wanted to know. "She's dead, "Wangero said. "I couldn't bear it any longer, being named after the people who oppress me.
In this passage, Dee is finally proud of her heritage. I truly think that Maggie and the narrator is surprised that the Dee they knew is totally changed. She happens to be part of the emergent culture at the time.
(Correlation)
During the 1960's the Black Power movement was prevalent. African Americans started to wear afro's and colors that were bright and loud to show their heritage. They were trying to shun away the sterotypes that preceded them in history.
What is the cause of human suffering? Tragedy
Maggie was burned as a child.
How can the tragedy be turned into a comedy.
Dee embrace her sister, for who she is.
Identify the cause of joy- happiness?
The mother studs up to Dee, and gives the precious quilt to Maggie.
I can completly see what your talking about. Maggie was so use to Dee getting her way that when she didn't Maggie couldn't help but grin from ear to ear.
Alice Walker was born in Georgia in 1944. Her first publication appeared in 1966, an essay of the civil rights movement. She published her first book "ONCE" in 1968.
BASIC PASSAGE:
""No, Mama", she says. "Not Dee, Wangero Leewanika Kemanjo!" "What happened to Dee?" I wanted to know. "She's dead", Wangero said. "I couldn't bear it any longer, being named after the people who oppress me." "You know as well as me you was named after your aunt Dicie," I said. Dicie is my sister. She was named Dee. We called her "Big Dee" after Dee was born. "But who was she named after?" asked Wangero. "I guess after Grandma Dee," I said. And who was she named after?" asked Wangero. "Her mother," I said..."
In this passage Dee is telling her mom that she changed her name because she didn't want to be named after the people who oppressed her. She wanted to stick to her "heritage". I feel that if your great-great-great grandmother was named Dee, then that is your heritage. She dosen't even know how to speak African and her name is not even and African name. How can something that you haven't been raised around be your heritage? I think that's funny.
Correlation:
I really can't correlate with this because I have never met anyone to change their name due to the lack of heritage they felt they did not achieve when they were raised by their parents. I have heard of stories, but never witnessed it.
1.) Tragedy: Maggie being burned and not as smart as her sister. Her having low self esteem.
2.)Tragedy turned into Comedy: If maggie spoke up for herself and told her sister that she was going to keep the blankets for herself.
3.)Cause of Joy: When the mother told Dee that she could not have the quilts.
DIFFICULTIES: I had no difficulties in reading this story.
I think that Maggie does resent her sister because she has burns and scars. I also feel that maybe Dee was the one who burned to house down. Maybe she wanted Maggie to get burned. I don't know, just talking. THIS IS THE LAST BLOG!!!!! YES!!!!!
Alice walker was born in eatonton, georgia in 1944. walker as a child was shot in the eye with a bb gun, which left her with an odd looking eye of which she was ashamed. as an author many of her stories were about the stuggles of african americans. she won a pulitzer prize for her writing "the color purple".
basic passage.
I hear Maggie suck in her breath. "Uhnnnh, " is what it sounds like. Like when you see the wriggling end of a snake just in front of your foot on the road. "Uhnnnh."
this passage demonstrates Dees attitude toward her family. it is one of embarassment and shame. up to this point we know that Dee has become succesfull and is embaressed of her poor family. she might also have burned down the house she grew up in, which also left her little sister with scars.
correlation:
thankfully i cant really relate to this story or passage. the narrator who is the mother of Dee and Maggie seems to not be upset with the way Dee feels about them. she wishes she were skinnier and more like the way dee would want her. I think its awful for dee to make her family feel like they are an embaressment. she may have come to visit in nice looking clothes, but she is so ugly inside, and maggie and her mother seem relieved when she leaves.
tragedy: the way maggie views her family, her disgust with them.
how can this be changed? it cant.
comedy: in the end maggie and her mother enjoy each others company and seem content with who they are.
Alice Walker was born in Georgia to poor share croppers. Walker graduated at the top of her high school class and received a college scholarship because of support and encouragement from her mother. Her first publication was and essay on civil rights in 1966.
Basic Passage: We sat down to eat and right away he said he didn’t eat collards and pork was unclean. Wangero, though, went on through to chitlins and corn bread, the greens and everything else.
Correlate: This passage is an example of how Dee is trying to be someone that she’s not. She left home with a bad attitude towards her family and their situation. She changed her name and religion and now that she’s back she embraces all of the things that she hated before. No one can completely change the person that they are. There will always be some characteristics of that other person that stick around and most of the time they will be contradictory. Dee apparently converted to Muslim, everybody knows that Muslims don’t eat pork but Dee eats it. That’s a characteristic of the person that she used to be although it contradicts who she is today.
(1). Identify the cause of human suffering-tragedy The way that Dee tries to act superior to her family.
(2). How can the tragedy be turned into a comedy? Dee should think about who she is and where she came from to get a greater appreciation for her family.
(3). Identify the cause of joy or happiness- comedy Dee is attempting to remember her roots although she does it in a way that’s hurtful to her family.
I agree, it had to have been hard for the mother to hear that her daughter was ashamed of a name that had meant so much to her and her "true" heritage. Our names no matter how much we dislike them, were given to us for a reason.
I agree with the name changing thing. It is kind of ridiculous that she would change her name and then want all of her Aunt Dee's things. I think it was a stupid idea and she shouldn't have changed it.
Alice Walker was born in 1944 to poor share croppers in Georgia. She was one of eight children to a family stricken with poverty. She taught writing and black literature in Mississippi. Her first work appeared in 1966. She is know for writing “The Color Purple”.
Basic Passage
“She thinks her sister has held life always in the palm of one hand, that ‘no’ is a word the world never learned to say to her.”
In this passage it is stating how some people always get what they want in life and never have to struggle. Mainly for the dominant culture such as white people. They can just ask for something and the world just caters to them and gives it them.
Correlate: I can understand how these feelings come about because I know people like this. I work hard and study hard but may not achieve what some people achieve that do not even try. This makes me very angry its like some people just have the best luck in the world they need money and all of a sudden something happens and they come into great fortune.This does not happen for most of us but it does for few.
Identify the cause of suffering. The cause of suffering in this story is the lack of love between maggie and her sister.
How could this story be turned into a comedy. This story could have been turned into a comedy if maggie and her sister got along and she wouldn't have got hurt.
Identify the cause of happiness. At the end of the story maggie gets the quilts.
I agree with what Ednuke said I think that it is wonderful that Dee has changed and is now proud of her heritage and it amazes them. I can see how some people don't have a great heritage and it sometimes is depressing but where you came from is very important and nobody should ever be ashamed of that.
34 comments:
Sibling Strife
Everyday Use
Alice Walker
Alice Walker was born in Georgia in 1944 to poor sharecroppers. She was the eighth child. Walker graduated from high school at the top of her class. She was awarded a scholarship to Spelman College. Walker transferred from Spelman to Sarah Lawrence College in New York. She graduated with a B.A. in 1965. Walker is noted for her prize winning novels Meridian and The Color Purple.
Basic Passage
“Maggie will be nervous until after her sister goes: she will stand hopelessly in corners, homely and ashamed of the burn scars down her arms and legs, eying her sister with a mixture of envy and awe. She thinks her sister has held life always in the palm of one hand, that “no” is a word the world never learned to say to her.”
In this passage, it is evident that Maggie and her sister, Dee, don’t see eye to eye. Maggie is envious of her sister because she believes that Dee always gets her way.
Correlation
I can relate a little bit to this passage. I have an older sister who always used to say that I always get away with stuff or that our parents are always buying me stuff because I’m the youngest. My sister used to call me ‘spoiled.’ We used to get into arguments all the time about this. I have never considered myself spoiled because I didn’t and don’t ask my parents to buy me things or throw temper tantrums when I don’t get my way. My parents didn’t and don’t treat any of us kids any differently. I believe that my sister was just jealous because she wasn’t the “little girl” of the house anymore. Despite our disagreements in the past, today my sister and I get along and she doesn’t call me “spoiled” anymore because she knows that I’m not.
(1). Identify the cause of human suffering-tragedy
I guess that the cause of human suffering is the fact that Maggie got hurt in the fire and that she and her sister don’t get along.
(2). How can the tragedy be turned into a comedy?
The tragedy can be turned into a comedy if Maggie hadn’t gotten hurt in the fire and if she and her sister got along.
(3). Identify the cause of joy or happiness- comedy
There is no joy or happiness in this passage.
Everyday Use
Alice Walker
Alice walker was born in Georgia. She graduated from high school at the top of her class. She graduated from Lawrence college in New York with a B.A. in 1965. She also wrote the color purple.
Basic Passage
"Maggie smiled; maybe at the sunglasses. But a real smile, not scared."
The smile I feel had nothing to do with the sunglasses, I think she was overjoyed at the fact that her mother stood up for her, and made her feel appreciated and like she mattered just as much as Dee. I don;t think Maggie had very many moments like this, I think that for the first time she is feeling a little pride in herself. And maybe feeling a bit like for a change Dee was envious of her, because she had the Dee wanted. The tables turned and it feels good to her so she sits back, smiles and enjoys it.
Correlation
I can correlate somewhat to this. I have a baby brother who gets everything he wants, he is held much higher than I am, and trust me he is no better than I am, it's just that he is the baby boy, there fore he is spoiled rotten!! Anyway it is tough sometimes, when you have to watch your siblings get all they ever want, and you have to struggle and earn what you get.
1)Identify the cause of human suffering-tragedy
The tragedy begins with them losing their home and Maggie being burned, this accident,seems to be the root of alot of their problems.
2)How can the tragedy be turned into a comedy?
If Dee would have agreed to get other quilts, than the ones promised to Maggie, without having a fit about it.
3)Identify the cause of joy or happiness- comedy
Maggie enjoying her proud moment, at the end of the story.
Name Changing
Everyday Use
Alice Walker
Alice Walker was born in 1944 in Georgia. She was the eighth child of impoverished black sharecroppers. She was encouraged by her mother to gain an education and become a writer. After graduating from college she moved to Mississippi, where she taught writing and black literature and joined in efforts to improve welfare rights and increase voter registration among the South.
Passage:
“Well, I say. Dee” “No, Mama,” she says. “Not ‘Dee,’ Wangero Leewanika Kemanjo!” “What happened to ‘Dee’?” I want to know. “She’s dead,” Wangero said. “I couldn’t bear it any longer, being named after the people who oppress me.”
This passage stood out the most to me because of what Dee did. It must have devastating for Dee’s mother after discovering her daughter changed her given name. Dee is telling her mother that the family and the name she was given was not good enough for her. I get a feeling that Dee is very ashamed of her mother and of how she grew up.
Correlation:
I find it sad that someone would change their name that was given to them by their parents. I think that the name your parents give to you is very important; it is a piece of you that shouldn’t be changed especially your first name. By changing your name shows me that you are hiding something about yourself. The movie Sweet Home Alabama is a perfect example of what Dee did. In the movie the daughter does the exact same thing.
Questions:
1.) Identify the cause of tragedy or human suffering.
The tragedy of the story would be how Maggie got burned in the fire. Also I think Dee being ashamed of her mother and family is a tragedy.
2.) How can this tragedy be turned into a comedy?
It could be turned into a comedy if Maggie would have never gotten burned by the house fire and Dee never changed her name.
3.) Identify the cause of Joy or happiness?
The joy of the story is how the mother stud up to her daughter Dee about how the quilts going to Maggie when she gets married.
Difficulties:
None
Everyday Use
Alice Walker
Alice Walker was born in Georgia to a sharecropper family. She graduated at the top of her high school class and went to college to get her B.A. She is known for her writing of black literature and stereotypes.
Basic Passage
“She thinks her sister has held life always in the palm of one hand, that ‘no’ is a word the world never learned to say to her.”
In this passage, the mother is referring to how her daughter Maggie thinks of her sister Dee. Dee was prettier, smarter, and all around more favored. Maggie had burn scars, was not as smart, and was definitely not the favorite of the family.
Correlate
I think everyone who has a sibling can relate to this passage. However, those who don’t have siblings can relate to it as well. Have you ever seen that person and thought “I bet the grass is a lot greener on their side”. Sure you have. I believe the problem with those people… the people who are always comparing themselves to someone better… they brought it upon themselves. Those who have the good life are confident and don’t think of life in terms of luck like Maggie does. Personally it annoys me to no end when someone says “Well I’m not smart like you! Or I don’t have the motivation like you! Etc etc” Well… whose fault is that? Yours. You have to work your strengths… not focus on your weaknesses… and I think Maggie deserved every bit of how she was treated. I don’t she even deserved the quilts at the end! She didn’t stand up for herself or make herself special in anyway, what did she deserve anyhow?
(1). Identify the cause of human suffering-tragedy
The way Maggie cannot stand up for herself, she lets her scars rule her life
(2). How can the tragedy be turned into a comedy?
It is kind of a comedy. Dee didn’t get the quilts so the joke is on her.
(3). Identify the cause of joy or happiness- comedy
That someone in the family managed to be successful, Dee. Even though he is a very unlikable character, you can’t deny she made something of herself.
“Everyday Use”
Author:
Alice walker was born in Georgia in 1944. She was encouraged by her mother to gain an education and become a writer. She graduated from Lawrence college in New York. She is well known for her writing of black literature. She won a prize for her novels Meridian and The Color Purple.
Passage:
”Have you ever seen a lame animal, perhaps a dog run over by some careless person rich enough to own a car, sidle up to someone who is ignorant enough to be kind to him? That is the way my Maggie walks. She has been like this, chin on chest, eyes on ground, feet in shuffle, ever since the fire that burned the other house to the ground.”
Correlation:
I can relate to this passage when I am at a place that makes me feel uncomfortable. For instance: when I was a real young I was shy for some reason and when my parents brought me to meet new people like at one of there jobs or even at a family reunion, I wanted to keep to myself. Growing up I quickly grew out of that stage but off and on I still feel a little shyness. The last time I recall feeling real shy was my first day in High school because I was over weight. Time did pass on and I learned that I am as good as anyone else. I walk with my head held high now.
1)Identify the cause of human suffering-tragedy
Maggie didn’t have any friends and her sister Dee didn’t get along with her.
2)How can the tragedy be turned into a comedy?
If Dee would have the scares rather than Maggie.
3)Identify the cause of joy or happiness- comedy
I didn’t find any joy or happiness .
Wanting To Be Loved
Everyday Use
Alice Walker
Alice Walker was encouraged by her mother, who supported her desore to gain an education and become a writer. She graduated at the top of her class and received a scholarship to Spelman College for women in Atlanta, Georgia. Her forst publication appeared in 1966, an essay on the civil rights movement. Two years later she wrote her first book. Walker is best known for her prize winning novels Meridian and the Color Purple.
Basic Passage:
"In real life I am a big boned woman with rough, man working hands. I am the way my daughter would want me to be: a hundred pounds lighter, my skin like an uncooked barley pancake. My hair glistens in the hot bright lights.
This passage clearly states the fact that the Dee wanted her mother to be something she is not. I really like how the mother comes across saying this the way she does. It is as if she is perfectly content with the fact she is who she is, NOT who "perfect" Dee wants her to be. I really admire the fact that the mother is proud of who she is and can stand proud, no matter if her daughter, DEE is ashamed of her or not. The mother is definitely a strong willed person and loves the fact that she is comfortable in her own skin.
Correlation:
I can really relate to this passage, as a whole because I have had plenty of people throughout my life, try to make me someone I am not. I am comfortable with what I stand for and who I am inside, but whether it be my Mother or a boyfriend, I am who I am and they have tried to change things about me that were NOT ME!! I have a lot of dislikes about who I am and about myself, but thats what makes me , ME is the bad, as well as the good parts about me. I will NOT ever change who I am for anybody, because If you are not satisfied within yourself, then how can anyone else ever be satisfied with you?
1. Identify the cause of human suffering in this story?
The fact that Dee is trying to make her mother someone she is NOT.
2. How can this tragedy be turned into a comedy?
It already is due to the fact that the mother is so comfortable with herself and loves the fact that during the winter she wears flannel nightgowns and overalls during the day. I love IT!!
3.Identify the cause of joy or happiness?
the act that the Mothe is very confident and does not try to peform for ANYONE and she truly lives out the saying" What you see is definitely what you get!"
In response to CHLOE...
I really agree with you when you state the fact that you have to focus on your strengths and not your weaknesses. Just as much as your strengths make you who you are so does your weaknesses. EVERYONE has strengths and EVERYONE has weaknesses, but it is all in what you decide to do with those srengths and weaknesses that determine your life. You can dwell on your weaknesses or be strong in who you ARE and STAND FIRM and persevere through your STRENGTHS!!!
Bio:
Alice Walker was born in 1944 to poor share croppers in Georgia. She was the 8th child in an impoverished home. She taught writing and black literature in Mississippi. Her first publication appeared in 1966. She is most famous for “The Color Purple”.
Basic Passage:
“She can always make some more,” I said. “Maggie knows how to quilt.” Dee (Wangeroo) a quilt when she went away to college. Then she had told me they were old-fashioned, out of style.
The mother is telling her daughter Dee (Wangeroo) the reasons she wants her other daughter Maggie to have her old quilts. Dee is arguing this, because she is dead set on getting these quilts, and Dee is used to getting what she wants.
Correlation:
This reminds me of the person who always gets what they want, finally not getting something. Dee may actually appreciate the quilts better because she thinks they represent her heritage, but they are still supposed to belong to Maggie. Dee says she wants to preserve the quilts, and all Maggie will do is use them everyday and use them. Then the mother says “She can always make more” which seems to symbolize that Maggie will move on with her life not live in the past.
(1). Identify the cause of human suffering-tragedy
The tragedy is how one sister is so fortunate and has everything, and the other is the exact opposite. It is also tragic how Dee is embarrassed of her family.
(2). How can the tragedy be turned into a comedy?
If both the sisters were as fortunate as Dee, and they appreciated and embraced where they came from.
(3). Identify the cause of joy or happiness- comedy
This story is a comedy for Dee because she is blessed. It is a comedy until she doesn’t get the quilts. It then turns into a comedy for Maggie and the mother.
Difficulties: I had no difficulties with this story
Response to jodgers:
I completely agree with you. You cannot change who you are just to please other people. If people truly care for you then they will accept you the way you are.
Everyday Use
Alice Walker
Walker was born in Georgia and is the eighth child of poor sharecroppers. She graduated at the top of her class and received a scholarship to Spelman College in New York. She graduated with a B.A. in 1965 and returned to Mississippi to teach writing and black literature.
Basic Passage
"You just don't understand," she said, as Maggie and I came out to the car. "What don't I understand?" I wanted to know. "Your heritage," she said. And then she turned to Maggie, kissed her, and said, "You ought to try to make something of yourself, too, Maggie. It's really a new day for us. But from the way you and Mama still live you'd never know it."
This passage is right after Dee is trying to take some of the old things in her family such as a quilt home. She is going to use these items for decoration in her home supposedly to remember her heritage and how oppressed she was.
Correlation
I can relate to this passage in some ways because I have a sister but I don't feel that either one of us is like Dee or Maggie. We do argue over things such as borrowing clothes, but the relationship between Dee and Maggie in the story is completely different. Maggie doesn't really take up for herself she was going to let Dee or Wangero take her quilts. It was the mother who had to take up for Maggie. Dee changed her name because she felt she couldn't live any longer under the name of those who oppressed her. But Dee has come to take some of the things her Aunt Dee made to use them for wall hangings in her home. I feel that she is just trying to show others how far she has come and what an awful life she had before. She is not really trying to cherish her heritage but only put herself above it.
1. The tragedy is the pain the mother and Maggie have went through from Dee burning their first home and then coming back to belittle them by taking the things they still use everyday.
2. I feel that is was turned into a comedy because Dee didn't get what she wanted in the end.
3. The cause of joy is that Maggie was able to keep her quilts.
Standing Up
Everday Use
Alice Walker
Alice Walker was born in 1944 in Georgia to impoverished black sharecroppers. She won the Pulitzer Prize for The Color Purple. She is also a black feminist.
Basic Passage
"And then the two of us sat there just enjoying, until it was time to go in the house and go to bed."
In the last line of the poem the narrator and Maggie sit back and enjoy their victory. They have just stood up to Dee who never hears the word no. And it feels good.
Correlation
I think most people can identify with this at some point in their lives. Being scared or unable to confront some one is a miserable feeling. When a person finally takes a stand it can be scary because the outcome may be good or bad. Either way when it is done there is a feeling of relief that you were at least strong enough to say something.
Tragedy-- Dee is selfish and hurts other people.
Turned to a Comedy by standing up to Dee when she was younger.
Comedy-- The narrator stood up to Dee.
Comment for nicken
I agree with you, I don't think Maggie had many moments like this and it must have really good. Dee probably did feel envious of Maggie for getting the quilts and had never felt that way before.
Comment for Chloé:
I agree with you when you say that you need to work on your strengths and try not to focus on your weaknesses. I think that if people wouldn’t compare themselves to other that they would be better off. If only people would focus on what they want and not what someone else wants, I think that their strengths would play a bigger role in their life and they would be much happier.
Resentment
Everyday Use
Alice Walker
Alice Walker is a southern African American woman born in 1944. She came from a large family of sharecroppers. Her mother encouraged her in futhering her education. Her first publication was in 1966. She published many books such as 'Once' 'In Love and Trouble' and of course, 'The Color Purple'.
Basic Passage:
"She washed us in a river of make-believe, burned us with a lot of knowledge we didn't necessarily need to know."
I felt that Dee thought that she was mentally and physically above her sister and her mother.
Correlation:
I think that this has to do with resentment. I felt this way towards my family. I was raised on a farm and I always wanted to be in the city. I thought that the hospital swichted me at birth. I always thought that if I moved to another state that no one would be able to assoicate me with my family.
1. Identify the cause of human suffering-tragedy
The fact that Dee can not accept who she is and the family that she has.
2. How can the tragedy be turned into a comedy?
That Maggie and Dee have a happy childhood.
3. Identify the cause of joy or happiness- comedy
No joy or happiness.
Response to Randy:
I agree with you in the angle that you have taken on your passage. Once you stand up to your fear, you feel a sence of relief and that also makes you a stronger person.
In response to Jodgers
"I will NOT ever change who I am for anybody, because If you are not satisfied within yourself, then how can anyone else ever be satisfied with you?"
I agree with this statement 100%. Like you know how there is always that not-so-attractive guy that has that great personality that makes him so much more attractive? It's like that. Because he is confident, it makes us believe he is better looking when he really isn't. If your not satisfied with yourself, no one else is going to be. In the story, the mother (and the readers) see Maggie as lesser of a person than Dee because she thinks she is and therefore portrays that.
Response to Cloe:
I agree when you said that, ”people who are always comparing themselves to someone better… they brought it upon themselves.” .I agree that people bring upon themselves if they are trying to compare themselves to someone that might be better than them in something. Everyone has they own unique ability and that is all they needs to focus on.
Alice Walker
“Strong”
Alice was born in Georgia, the eighth child of sharecroppers. She had an aspiration to become writer. So she strived to do the best with the education she had, and was top of her high school class and received a scholarship to a college for women. Walker wrote many poems, short fiction, and novels. She received a lot of recognition from her novel “ The Color Purple”.
Basic Passage:
Dee, though. She would always look anyone in the eye. Hesitation was no part of her nature.
Correlation:
I think this passage shows how tough Dee wants to be. She wants all her fears to be kept inside of her. Maybe fear is not an option to her to let people see. I think this is the reason why she can look into someone’s eye without hesitation. Dee just appeals to be a very strong person who wants to be seen in others eyes as strong person who is not scared of anybody.
1)I think the tragedy is that maybe Dee is ashamed of her family.
2)If everybody could be happy with how things turned out for them as a family.
3)I do not think there was any.
Comment on Celia loy:
I can relate to what you saying. I went through the same thing. I only have one sister who is older and of course she envied me when I was born and received a little more attention than she did cause I was the baby. However today is a different story, I love her to death. We are so close it seems we are twins.
Walker was born in Eatonton, Georgia, United States; as well as being African American, her family has Cherokee, Scottish and Irish lineage. Not many people know about the real reason for Walker having glasses. When she was eight years old, she was playing with her brothers at her house. They accidentally shot her in the eye with a BB pellet. Her parents tried to treat the injury at home, but it only got worse. After a few days, they took her to the doctor. Unfortunately, they were too late. She was blinded in her right eye. Over time, the injury calcified and transformed into a white scar. Walker hated how this affected her appearance and how she was ridiculed for it. After high school, Walker attended Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia and graduated in 1965 from Sarah Lawrence College in Yonkers (Bronxville postal zone), New York. During her junior year, she spent a summer as an exchange student in Uganda.
Basic Passage:
“Maggie will be nervous until after her sister goes: she will stand hopelessly in corners, homely and ashamed of the burn scars down her arms and legs, eying her sister with a mixture of envy and awe. She thinks her sister has held life always in the palm of one hand, that “no” is a word the world never learned to say to her.”
This passage shows how Maggie resents her sister for her burns and scars. There is obviously a difference in personalities with them like night and day,but that difference may have come from the trama that Maggie suffered as a child due to Dee's resentment towards the old house.
Correlation:
I can relate to this passage as an older brother,seeing how my younger siblings look up to me but we are interested in different things and have different personalities.Ive done well in school with little trouble while my little brother stuggles just to make a C.
1.Identify the cause of human suffering-tragedy.
The suffering is Maggies burns and resentment towards her sister.
2.How can the tragedy be turned into a comedy?
If Maggie set Dee on fire and see how confident and nonschelaunt she will be in public then.
3. Identify the cause of joy or happiness- comedy.
N/A
Shadows
EveryDay Use
Alice Walker
Alice walker was born 1944, in Georgia as the eight child to a poor sharecroper. She began to prove her self seperate from the other children when she graduated top of her high school class. Alice proceeded to futther her education. She recieved a scholorship to Spleman but soon transferred to Lawrence College of New york where she graduated in 1965. She is best known for her award winning novel The Color Purple.
Basic Passage
“Maggie will be nervous until after her sister goes: she will stand hopelessly in corners, homely and ashamed of the burn scars down her arms and legs, eying her sister with a mixture of envy and awe. She thinks her sister has held life always in the palm of one hand, that “no” is a word the world never learned to say to her.”
In this passage the relation ship between the Dee and Maggie is revealed. This passage shows use thr true nature of sibling rivalry.
Correlation
I can relate to this passaqge because I have an older brother who also has never been introduced to the word No. He always seemed to be the best at every thing he did. It use to drive me crazy when he could go do stuff just because he was older or a boy. Now that Iam older I realize that he looked at me the same way and that we don't always see the qualities in ourselves thats others might see and if we would just put forth the effort we can do any thing.
(1). Identify the cause of human suffering-tragedy
The fact that both the mother and sister feel as though Dee is ashamed of them.
(2). How can the tragedy be turned into a comedy?
If Maggie found the courage to follow her own heart and find her voice.
(3). Identify the cause of joy or happiness- comedy
The fact that Maggie gets the quilts when she marries.
Heritage
Everyday Use
Alice Walker
Alice Walker was born in Georgia in 1944 to poor sharecroppers. She was the eighth child. Walker graduated from high school at the top of her class. She was awarded a scholarship to Spelman College. Walker transferred from Spelman to Sarah Lawrence College in New York. She graduated with a B.A. in 1965. Walker is noted for her prize winning novels Meridian and The Color Purple.
"Basic Passage"
"No Moma,"she says. "Not Dee,'Wangero Leewanika Kemanjo!"
"What happened to Dee'? I wanted to know.
"She's dead, "Wangero said. "I couldn't bear it any longer, being named after the people who oppress me.
In this passage, Dee is finally proud of her heritage. I truly think that Maggie and the narrator is surprised that the Dee they knew is totally changed. She happens to be part of the emergent culture at the time.
(Correlation)
During the 1960's the Black Power movement was prevalent. African Americans started to wear afro's and colors that were bright and loud to show their heritage. They were trying to shun away the sterotypes that preceded them in history.
What is the cause of human suffering? Tragedy
Maggie was burned as a child.
How can the tragedy be turned into a comedy.
Dee embrace her sister, for who she is.
Identify the cause of joy- happiness?
The mother studs up to Dee, and gives the precious quilt to Maggie.
(Difficulties)
None
Comment for nicken
I can completly see what your talking about. Maggie was so use to Dee getting her way that when she didn't Maggie couldn't help but grin from ear to ear.
REALLY STAYING TRUE TO YOUR HERITAGE?
EVERYDAY USE
ALICE WALKER
Alice Walker was born in Georgia in 1944. Her first publication appeared in 1966, an essay of the civil rights movement. She published her first book "ONCE" in 1968.
BASIC PASSAGE:
""No, Mama", she says. "Not Dee, Wangero Leewanika Kemanjo!"
"What happened to Dee?" I wanted to know. "She's dead", Wangero said. "I couldn't bear it any longer, being named after the people who oppress me." "You know as well as me you was named after your aunt Dicie," I said. Dicie is my sister. She was named Dee. We called her "Big Dee" after Dee was born. "But who was she named after?" asked Wangero. "I guess after Grandma Dee," I said. And who was she named after?" asked Wangero. "Her mother," I said..."
In this passage Dee is telling her mom that she changed her name because she didn't want to be named after the people who oppressed her. She wanted to stick to her "heritage". I feel that if your great-great-great grandmother was named Dee, then that is your heritage. She dosen't even know how to speak African and her name is not even and African name. How can something that you haven't been raised around be your heritage? I think that's funny.
Correlation:
I really can't correlate with this because I have never met anyone to change their name due to the lack of heritage they felt they did not achieve when they were raised by their parents. I have heard of stories, but never witnessed it.
1.) Tragedy:
Maggie being burned and not as smart as her sister. Her having low self esteem.
2.)Tragedy turned into Comedy:
If maggie spoke up for herself and told her sister that she was going to keep the blankets for herself.
3.)Cause of Joy:
When the mother told Dee that she could not have the quilts.
DIFFICULTIES:
I had no difficulties in reading this story.
Commet on Project X:
I think that Maggie does resent her sister because she has burns and scars. I also feel that maybe Dee was the one who burned to house down. Maybe she wanted Maggie to get burned. I don't know, just talking. THIS IS THE LAST BLOG!!!!! YES!!!!!
BRUCE ALFORD IS A GREAT TEACHER!!! GO BUY HIS NEW BOOK!!! SUPPORT HIM!!
ashamed of her roots
Everday use
alice walker
Alice walker was born in eatonton, georgia in 1944. walker as a child was shot in the eye with a bb gun, which left her with an odd looking eye of which she was ashamed. as an author many of her stories were about the stuggles of african americans. she won a pulitzer prize for her writing "the color purple".
basic passage.
I hear Maggie suck in her breath. "Uhnnnh, " is what it sounds like. Like when you see the wriggling end of a snake just in front of your foot on the road. "Uhnnnh."
this passage demonstrates Dees attitude toward her family. it is one of embarassment and shame. up to this point we know that Dee has become succesfull and is embaressed of her poor family. she might also have burned down the house she grew up in, which also left her little sister with scars.
correlation:
thankfully i cant really relate to this story or passage. the narrator who is the mother of Dee and Maggie seems to not be upset with the way Dee feels about them. she wishes she were skinnier and more like the way dee would want her. I think its awful for dee to make her family feel like they are an embaressment. she may have come to visit in nice looking clothes, but she is so ugly inside, and maggie and her mother seem relieved when she leaves.
tragedy: the way maggie views her family, her disgust with them.
how can this be changed? it cant.
comedy: in the end maggie and her mother enjoy each others company and seem content with who they are.
Metamorphosis
Everyday Use
Alice Walker
Alice Walker was born in Georgia to poor share croppers. Walker graduated at the top of her high school class and received a college scholarship because of support and encouragement from her mother. Her first publication was and essay on civil rights in 1966.
Basic Passage:
We sat down to eat and right away he said he didn’t eat collards and pork was unclean. Wangero, though, went on through to chitlins and corn bread, the greens and everything else.
Correlate:
This passage is an example of how Dee is trying to be someone that she’s not. She left home with a bad attitude towards her family and their situation. She changed her name and religion and now that she’s back she embraces all of the things that she hated before. No one can completely change the person that they are. There will always be some characteristics of that other person that stick around and most of the time they will be contradictory. Dee apparently converted to Muslim, everybody knows that Muslims don’t eat pork but Dee eats it. That’s a characteristic of the person that she used to be although it contradicts who she is today.
(1). Identify the cause of human suffering-tragedy
The way that Dee tries to act superior to her family.
(2). How can the tragedy be turned into a comedy?
Dee should think about who she is and where she came from to get a greater appreciation for her family.
(3). Identify the cause of joy or happiness- comedy
Dee is attempting to remember her roots although she does it in a way that’s hurtful to her family.
I am commenting on jodgers' response:
I agree with jodgers. We should not let other people define who we are. We should be proud of who we are.
This is a comment on Soupbone
I agree, it had to have been hard for the mother to hear that her daughter was ashamed of a name that had meant so much to her and her "true" heritage. Our names no matter how much we dislike them, were given to us for a reason.
In responce to soupbone4
I agree with you that it is sad that you change the name your parents gave. That is like disrepecting your family heritage by changing your name.
In response to Soupbone:
I agree with the name changing thing. It is kind of ridiculous that she would change her name and then want all of her Aunt Dee's things. I think it was a stupid idea and she shouldn't have changed it.
"The war at Home"
Everyday Use
Alice Walker
Alice Walker was born in 1944 to poor share croppers in Georgia. She was one of eight children to a family stricken with poverty. She taught writing and black literature in Mississippi. Her first work appeared in 1966. She is know for writing “The Color Purple”.
Basic Passage
“She thinks her sister has held life always in the palm of one hand, that ‘no’ is a word the world never learned to say to her.”
In this passage it is stating how some people always get what they want in life and never have to struggle. Mainly for the dominant culture such as white people. They can just ask for something and the world just caters to them and gives it them.
Correlate:
I can understand how these feelings come about because I know people like this. I work hard and study hard but may not achieve what some people achieve that do not even try. This makes me very angry its like some people just have the best luck in the world they need money and all of a sudden something happens and they come into great fortune.This does not happen for most of us but it does for few.
Identify the cause of suffering.
The cause of suffering in this story is the lack of love between maggie and her sister.
How could this story be turned into a comedy.
This story could have been turned into a comedy if maggie and her sister got along and she wouldn't have got hurt.
Identify the cause of happiness.
At the end of the story maggie gets the quilts.
Comment on Ednuke
I agree with what Ednuke said I think that it is wonderful that Dee has changed and is now proud of her heritage and it amazes them. I can see how some people don't have a great heritage and it sometimes is depressing but where you came from is very important and nobody should ever be ashamed of that.
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