Please take a copy of the Fahrenheit 451 test from the front table if you would like to look over what you missed when I hand back the tests. #57- B Also, turn in your “HB” analysis paragraphs to the black tray at the front of the room. Make sure your MLA header is there!

If you could save only one precious possession of yours from being destroyed or left behind, what would it be? Write a short paragraph identifying the item, as well as explaining why it is important to you and why you would be devastated if it were destroyed.

 Born in Georgia in the 1940s  After a gunshot wound to her right eye, Walker became withdrawn from society and discovered a love for writing.  Studied in Uganda and was active in the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s  Author of The Color Purple, as well as many other short stories and poems.  She often includes themes about race, love, and family in her work.

 The story takes place in the 1960s during the Black Power movement.  “Back to Africa” movement: Many African Americans began to have pride in their heritage and seek to learn more about their African roots.  This movement was especially popular among young people on college campuses.

 Not all African Americans (especially those who were older) were excited about the “Back to Africa” movement.  Why go “back” to Africa when you’ve never lived there?

 Mama is the first person narrator of “Everyday Use.”  All narrators are trying to convey a message, but have you ever thought about how reliable a narrator might be?  A narrator’s reliability is the extent to which he or she can be believed in what he/she said.

 Who is the narrator?  How is he involved?  What is your impression about him?  Is he objective? Emotional?  What is his reason for telling the story?

 Lying  Limited perspective  Misled in understanding  Mentally incompetent  Causes the reader to doubt the story that the narrator tells and makes us wonder what else we do not know

Clue: Mama’s words, actions, or how other characters respond to her Inference you can make about Mama’s character based on that clue How does this relate to her reliability as a narrator?

 Mama is not crazy.  Mama’s experiences outside of her hometown and with people unlike her may be limited.  Mama paints Dee in a negative light from the start.  She refers to Maggie as being “dumb,” but she also presents her in a sympathetic manner.  Mama is somewhat naïve to Dee’s situation and understands Maggie more, making it impossible for her to be completely objective.