Alice Walkers Everyday ThingsIs the narrator trustworthy
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In this paper, we will discuss the trustworthiness of the narrator in Alice Walker's "Everyday Use". This short story is told from the mother's point of view and we will analyze her observations of herself and of her two daughters; Dee (Wangero), and Maggie. The analysis of Mama's trustworthiness will be presented in three areas; self-delusion, her self-image; parental delusion, how she sees her daughters; fault recognition, her willingness to admit to and correct her errors in judgment.
First, we will look at Mama's self image and she how she sees her life. Mama describes her home with small details that help build our trust. "It is three rooms, just like the one that burned, except the roof is tin There are no real windows, just some holes cut in the sides with rawhide holding shutters up on the outside" (877). She does not attempt to hide the dwelling's lack of amenities. A less honest description would not be as detailed in what was lacking. Her description of herself is not flattering but it is not deprecating either. "In real life I am a large, big-boned woman with rough, man-working hands" (876)...