Everyday Use
Analyzing Characterization
Momma
Quote that Best Represents the Character:
"When I looked at her like that, something hit me in the top of my head and ran down to the soles of my feet...I did something something I had never done before: hugged Maggie to me, then dragged her on into the living room, snatched the quilts out of Miss Wangero's hands, and dumped them into Maggie's lap...Take one or two of the others I said to Dee."
Type of Character- Round & Dynamic
Explanation/Reasoning: Momma is a round character because she there is much depth and complexity in her character. The reader sees her struggle with Dee; she loves Dee because she is her daughter despite the fact that Dee looks down on her family. Momma tries to be patient with Dee and pacify her, but cannot allow her to continue to degrade them. She finally resigns to the fact that she is going to have to stand up to her and does just that. For the first time, Momma no longer pacifies Dee and stands up for Maggie and for herself. This change constitutes Momma as a dynamic character as well.
Type of Characterization- Indirect Characterization
Explanation/Reasoning: This quote exemplifies indirect characterization because we must infer from her interactions with Dee that Momma patient, caring, and long-suffering. This quote also reveal that Momma can be bold and courageous when the occassion calls for it.
"When I looked at her like that, something hit me in the top of my head and ran down to the soles of my feet...I did something something I had never done before: hugged Maggie to me, then dragged her on into the living room, snatched the quilts out of Miss Wangero's hands, and dumped them into Maggie's lap...Take one or two of the others I said to Dee."
Type of Character- Round & Dynamic
Explanation/Reasoning: Momma is a round character because she there is much depth and complexity in her character. The reader sees her struggle with Dee; she loves Dee because she is her daughter despite the fact that Dee looks down on her family. Momma tries to be patient with Dee and pacify her, but cannot allow her to continue to degrade them. She finally resigns to the fact that she is going to have to stand up to her and does just that. For the first time, Momma no longer pacifies Dee and stands up for Maggie and for herself. This change constitutes Momma as a dynamic character as well.
Type of Characterization- Indirect Characterization
Explanation/Reasoning: This quote exemplifies indirect characterization because we must infer from her interactions with Dee that Momma patient, caring, and long-suffering. This quote also reveal that Momma can be bold and courageous when the occassion calls for it.
Symbol
The homemade quilts symbolize the sentimentality, culture, and the generational way of life for Momma and her family.
Imagery
The description of the house and the yard is important in understanding the simplistic life Momma and Maggie lead and are happy living.
Imagery & Symbolism
Symbol
The camera represents Dee/Wangero's desire to capture the way of life of those who "choose" to live in "oppression."