1. Everyday Use Introducing the Short Story
Short Story by Alice Walker
Introducing the Short Story
with
Literary Analysis: Conflict and
Character
Reading Skill: Make
Inferences
Vocabulary in Context
VIDEO TRAILER

2. What makes something VALUABLE?
INTRODUCING THE SHORT STORY
What makes something VALUABLE?
The word value means different things to different people.
For example, an old vase might have high monetary value or high sentimental value.

3. What makes something VALUABLE?
INTRODUCING THE SHORT STORY
What makes something VALUABLE?
To some, it might have great historical, cultural, or artistic value.
But others might think it’s a useless piece of junk.
Often people disagree over the value they assign to an object. Or they may agree that it is valuable, but not for the same reason.

4. What makes something VALUABLE?
INTRODUCING THE SHORT STORY
What makes something VALUABLE?
QUICKWRITE
If you could save only one precious possession of yours from being destroyed or left behind, what would you save?
Write a short paragraph identifying the item and telling why it is valuable to you.

5. Click on the title to play the trailer.
Everyday Use

6. Conflict and Character
A story’s plot progresses because of a conflict, or struggle between opposing forces.

7. Conflict and Character
In “Everyday Use,” the main conflict centers around two sisters, Dee and Maggie, and their mother, who narrates the story.
Although the main conflict between these characters is worked out in the resolution of the story, some other conflicts linger unresolved.

8. Conflict and Character
As you read, pay attention to the conflicts and whether they are resolved.
Also think about the differences in the characters’ values and priorities.

9. Make Inferences
Because writers don’t always tell you everything you need to know about a character, you must make inferences, or logical guesses, based on story details and your own experiences.
For example, the narrator makes a comment about her yard being like “an extended living room.” From this comment, you might infer that she enjoys being outdoors.

10. Make Inferences
As you read, notice what the characters’ words and actions tell you about their personalities and attitudes. Take notes on a chart like the one shown.
Story Details
Inferences
thinks orchids are tacky
flowers
is pretentious
Dee
Mama
Maggie

11. doctrine
furtive
heritage
recompose
Figure out the meaning of each boldfaced vocabulary word from the context. Sample answers appear in brackets. In your Reader/Writer Notebook, write a sentence that shows your understanding of each word.
1. sneaky, furtive behavior
[secretive]
2. need time to recompose after your outburst
[become calm again]
3. accept the club’s doctrine
[set of rules]
4. remember your heritage when you leave home
[family traditions]

12. doctrine n. a set of rules, beliefs, or values held by a group
furtive adj. sneaky, secretive
heritage v. something passed down through generations, such as traditions, values, property
recompose v. to restore to calm, to settle again