Updike and Walker
We discussed the two works “Everyday Use” by Alice Walker, and “Flight” by Updike, today in class. They are both stories that deal with family struggles, as well as themes of identity.
“Everyday Use” is a 20th century story about an impoverished black family living in the rural south. The story is centered around the mother and her relationship with her daughter Dee, who has come home from college for a visit. Dee now goes by a different african name, and thinks more of herself than ever. She is now making it her mission to take the family heirlooms that she had previously turned down, which include and old butter churn and and old quilt, both made and used by previous generation before, that hold a lot of significane and meaning that Dee can not comprehend. Dee now wants them because it is the “in thing” in society to have objects that are associated with the past, and she thinks that she appreciates her roots more than her dim witted sister, Margie. The irony in this is that Dee does not appreciate her roots as much as she thinks. Another them in the story is the theme of social status. Education as heightened Dee’s social status, while also further alienating her from her family.
Updike’s story “Flight” also touches on family issues. The main character is Allen, a middle class high school boy, who is struggling with the grevences of his family, and the resentments that each generation has toward the prior. He also struggling with his sense of identity. Everyone in Allen’s life wants him to “take flight” by leaving town and doing great things. Allen himself is not sure if he wants to. This is shown through his relationship with Molly, an upper class girl who comes from a family that his mother can’t stand. Not only does Allen’s mother fear that she will tie him down, but the towns people also try to break them up.
