Tradition is a simple and abstract word, but it contains a vast amount of important connotations, among them culture, identity, knowledge, advice and emotions. I have chosen the field of African American tradition and Native American tradition to present different views on tradition and tradition awareness. To give a more detailed and concrete analysis I will use the short stories ”Everyday Use“ by Alice Walker and “Yellow Woman“ by Leslie Marmon Silko.
In “Everyday Use“ I will mainly point out what tradition means to the characters Dee, Maggie and Mrs. Johnson. With the help of the story, I will prove both the antagonistic relationship and the parallels between Dee on the one side and Mrs. Johnson and Maggie on the other. Then I will focus on the importance of the traditional quiltmaking and the conflicts it brings up among the family members. The short story “Yellow Woman“ includes important aspects of the Native American culture such as the Trickster figure or the element of oral narration. So I will present the character Silva as a Trickster figure and describe the importance of oral tradition. Then I will continue with the protagonist’s inner conflicts concerning her identity. The last chapter concludes by comparing the attitudes of the shortstories‘ characters and gives perspectives.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Definition of important and central terms
- "Everyday Use" by Alice Walker
- Mrs. Johnson
- Dee (Wangero)
- Quiltmaking as a symbol of tradition
- "Yellow Woman" by Leslie Marmon Silko
- Silva as a Trickster figure
- Oral tradition in Indian American literature
- The Yellow Woman story
- Conclusion
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper analyzes the concept of tradition in two short stories: Alice Walker's "Everyday Use" and Leslie Marmon Silko's "Yellow Woman." The objective is to explore how tradition is perceived and understood by the characters within these narratives, highlighting the conflicts and parallels between different generations and perspectives on cultural heritage. The analysis will focus on the representation of tradition as a source of both connection and conflict within families and communities.
- The definition and interpretation of tradition and heritage.
- The contrasting perspectives on tradition between different characters.
- The role of material objects (e.g., quilts) in representing tradition.
- The significance of oral tradition in Native American culture.
- The complexities of identity and cultural belonging.
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This chapter introduces the concept of tradition and its multifaceted connotations, including culture, identity, knowledge, and emotion. It sets the stage for an analysis of African American and Native American traditions through the lens of Alice Walker's "Everyday Use" and Leslie Marmon Silko's "Yellow Woman," focusing on how tradition is understood and experienced by the characters within these stories. The introduction lays out the direction of the study, foreshadowing the examination of both the antagonistic relationships and parallels between characters and their conflicting views on their cultural heritage.
Definition of important and central terms: This chapter provides concise definitions of key terms like "heritage" and "tradition," clarifying their meanings within the context of the analysis. It distinguishes between the everyday understanding of tradition and its complex implications in cultural studies, citing external sources to support these definitions. The chapter also defines "myth," differentiating between its traditional and contemporary connotations, particularly within the American context. This section lays the groundwork for a consistent and accurate understanding of the crucial concepts throughout the paper.
"Everyday Use" by Alice Walker: This chapter delves into Walker's "Everyday Use," focusing on the portrayal of tradition within the Johnson family. The analysis explores the contrasting perspectives of Mama, Maggie, and Dee (Wangero) on the significance of their heritage and its manifestation in everyday objects and practices. The chapter examines how the characters' interactions reveal both the conflict and the subtle connections stemming from their shared cultural background. The central theme revolves around the different ways the family members engage with and value their heritage, highlighting the tension between preserving tradition and adapting to modern life. The discussion of quiltmaking as a symbol of tradition plays a significant role in understanding these dynamics.
"Yellow Woman" by Leslie Marmon Silko: This chapter analyzes Silko's "Yellow Woman," focusing on the representation of Native American culture and tradition. The discussion explores Silva's role as a trickster figure, examining how this archetype embodies certain aspects of Native American storytelling and cultural understanding. The significance of oral tradition in shaping identity and transmitting cultural knowledge is a prominent theme. The chapter also explores the protagonist's internal conflict regarding her identity and her relationship with her heritage. The story's narrative structure and the way it incorporates elements of oral tradition are examined to understand how they contribute to the overall meaning and impact of the work.
Keywords
Tradition, heritage, cultural identity, African American literature, Native American literature, Alice Walker, Leslie Marmon Silko, "Everyday Use," "Yellow Woman," family dynamics, oral tradition, quiltmaking, trickster figure, cultural conflict, generational differences.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Deep Dive into "Everyday Use" and "Yellow Woman"
What is the main focus of this academic paper?
This paper analyzes the concept of tradition in Alice Walker's "Everyday Use" and Leslie Marmon Silko's "Yellow Woman," exploring how tradition is perceived and understood by the characters. It examines the conflicts and parallels between generations and perspectives on cultural heritage, focusing on tradition as a source of both connection and conflict.
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
Key themes include the definition and interpretation of tradition and heritage; contrasting perspectives on tradition between characters; the role of material objects (like quilts) in representing tradition; the significance of oral tradition in Native American culture; and the complexities of identity and cultural belonging.
Which short stories are analyzed in this paper?
The paper analyzes two short stories: Alice Walker's "Everyday Use" and Leslie Marmon Silko's "Yellow Woman."
What is the objective of the analysis of "Everyday Use"?
The analysis of "Everyday Use" focuses on the portrayal of tradition within the Johnson family, exploring the contrasting perspectives of Mama, Maggie, and Dee (Wangero) on the significance of their heritage. It examines how their interactions reveal both conflict and subtle connections stemming from their shared cultural background and the tension between preserving tradition and adapting to modern life.
How does the paper analyze "Yellow Woman"?
The analysis of "Yellow Woman" focuses on the representation of Native American culture and tradition. It explores Silva's role as a trickster figure, the significance of oral tradition in shaping identity, and the protagonist's internal conflict regarding her identity and relationship with her heritage. The narrative structure and incorporation of oral tradition are also examined.
What is the role of material objects in the analysis?
Material objects, particularly quilts in "Everyday Use," are analyzed as symbols representing tradition and the different ways characters value and engage with their heritage.
What is the significance of oral tradition in the paper?
Oral tradition is a significant theme, especially in the analysis of "Yellow Woman," where it is examined as a key element in shaping Native American identity and transmitting cultural knowledge.
What are the key terms defined in the paper?
Key terms like "heritage" and "tradition" are defined, clarifying their meanings within the context of cultural studies and distinguishing between everyday and academic understandings. The term "myth" is also defined, differentiating its traditional and contemporary connotations.
What is the structure of the paper?
The paper includes an introduction, a chapter defining key terms, chapters dedicated to analyzing "Everyday Use" and "Yellow Woman" individually, and a conclusion. It also features a table of contents and a list of keywords.
What are the keywords associated with this paper?
Keywords include: Tradition, heritage, cultural identity, African American literature, Native American literature, Alice Walker, Leslie Marmon Silko, "Everyday Use," "Yellow Woman," family dynamics, oral tradition, quiltmaking, trickster figure, cultural conflict, generational differences.
- Quote paper
- Sylvi Burkhardt (Author), 2000, The Function of Tradition in "Everyday Use" by Alice Walker and "Yellow Woman" by Leslie Marmon Silko, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/34538
