Everyday Use

This collection explores the significance of Everyday Use, highlighting Alice Walker's influence on African American literature and women's narratives.

Alice Walker's Everyday Use is a seminal work that has profoundly influenced the understanding of African American culture and women's contributions to art. Through the metaphor of quilting, Walker illustrates the creative legacy passed down from maternal ancestors, reshaping how we perceive art and the narratives surrounding African American lives. This story not only highlights the importance of heritage but also emphasizes the diverse experiences of African American women, marking a significant shift in literary representation.

The narrative centers on the voices of African American women, a perspective that had previously been marginalized in literature. In Everyday Use, Walker's characters navigate the complexities of identity, heritage, and the significance of cultural artifacts. By placing these women's experiences at the forefront, Walker anticipates the themes that would be explored by a new generation of black women writers, making this story essential reading for understanding the evolution of African American literature.

This casebook enriches the reader's experience with an introduction by the editor, a chronology of Walker's life, and the authoritative texts of Everyday Use and In Search of Our Mothers' Gardens. It also includes an insightful interview with Walker and six critical essays from notable contributors, providing a comprehensive look at Walker's impact and the themes present in her work.