English II Ms. Chenelle – Rm. 223

FOLLOW-UP ASSIGNMENT FOR “EVERYDAY USE” by ALICE WALKER

Write a paragraph proving the following topic sentences, using specific examples from the story. Cite all quotes and examples from the story, even if you paraphrase them, using the proper format: (Walker #). Each paragraph should be at least 4-5 sentences (not including the topic sentence). See the model paragraph below. Attach looseleaf if needed. One point will be deducted for each incomplete sentence.

EXAMPLE: At the beginning of the story, the narrator says that a hurricane once hit the Spokane Reservation, but the reader soon realizes that it’s not a real hurricane, but a metaphorical one. What Victor imagines as a hurricane is really his two uncles fighting. “The two Indians raged across the room at each other” (Alexie 2). Like “crazy people [who] tie themselves to the beach” during a real hurricane, everyone watches the fight, but no one does anything, because it was such a common occurrence (Alexie 3). The narrator explains that “one Indian killing another did not create a special kind of storm. This little kind of hurricane was generic” (Alexie 3). Using a hurricane as an extended metaphor, Alexie illustrates the kinds of storms that afflict Victor’s family and other Native Americans.

1) The mother’s descriptions of her two daughters reveal her point of view towards them. English II Ms. Chenelle – Rm. 223

2) Dee and her mother’s argument about the quilts reflect their different perspectives on their value and meaning.