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What is the meaning of this excerpt from "Everyday Use" by Alice Walker?

"In real life I am a large, big-boned woman with rough, man-working hands. In the winter I wear flannel nightgowns to bed and overalls during the day. I can kill and clean a hog as mercilessly as a man. My fat keeps me hot in zero weather. I can work outside all day, breaking ice to get water for washing; I can eat pork liver cooked over the open fire minutes after it comes steaming from the hog. One winter I knocked a bull calf straight in the brain between the eyes with a sledgehammer and had the meat hung up to chill before nightfall. But of course all this does not show on television. 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. Johnny Carson has much to do to keep up with my quick and witty..."

Answer :

Final answer:

The excerpt from Alice Walker's "Everyday Use" discusses themes of identity and the clash between traditional values and modern societal expectations. By contrasting the speaker's strength and work ethic with her daughter's superficial dreams, it critiques popular notions of beauty. The passage emphasizes authenticity, highlighting the often overlooked contributions of women's labor and heritage.


Explanation:

Understanding the Excerpt from "Everyday Use" by Alice Walker

The excerpt from Alice Walker's "Everyday Use" reflects the themes of identity, cultural heritage, and the contrast between different lifestyles and values. The speaker describes herself in a raw and powerful manner, emphasizing her physicality and the hard work associated with her daily life. This vivid description illustrates her connection to __________(working with her hands, living close to the land), contrasting sharply with the superficial image of beauty that her daughter aspires to.

Through phrases such as "rough, man-working hands," and "I can kill and clean a hog as mercilessly as a man," Walker highlights the speaker's strength and her practical skills, which are deeply rooted in her culture and way of life. The juxtaposition of the mother's resilience with her daughter's desire for a more glamorous, television-induced image critiques societal standards of beauty and worth. The phrase "But of course all this does not show on television" notably conveys the idea that true strength and cultural richness often go unrecognized in mainstream media.

Ultimately, this excerpt serves as a powerful commentary on the struggle between heritage and contemporary societal expectations, emphasizing the value of authenticity over external perceptions of beauty. Walker's use of vivid imagery ties the personal experience of the narrator to broader cultural narratives, challenging readers to consider what constitutes true worth and identity.


Learn more about Identity and Heritage here:

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