the flowers by alice walker short story

The story 'The Flowers' by Alice Walker is a poignant exploration of innocence lost. It shows how a young girl's discovery shatters her naive view of the world. The flowers in the story can be seen as a symbol of beauty and purity that exists before the harsh reality is uncovered.

Another theme is the contrast between beauty and brutality. The flowers symbolize beauty, while the discovery she makes represents the brutality that exists in the world, even in what seems like a peaceful setting.

The main theme is the idea of heritage. It shows the difference between a real, practical connection to one's heritage and a more superficial, trendy connection.

I'm not sure which specific short story by Alice Walker from 1955 you are referring to. But generally, Alice Walker's works often deal with themes like race, gender, and the African - American experience. Her stories can be significant in bringing awareness to these issues and giving a voice to the marginalized.

Well, Mama is a complex character. She's a hardworking woman who has lived through a lot. She loves both of her daughters but has different relationships with them. Dee is the daughter who has gone out into the world and has become more 'enlightened' in a sense, but she has lost touch with the real essence of her family's heritage. Maggie, who has stayed at home, has a deep understanding of the family's traditions, like the quilts being a part of the family's everyday life and not just something to show off.

In 'Everyday Use', one of the main themes is the concept of heritage. The two daughters, Dee and Maggie, have different understandings of it. Dee wants to take the quilts as artifacts, while Maggie sees them as part of the family's daily use. This shows the clash between a more modern, detached view of heritage and a traditional, practical one.

The main theme in 'Everyday Use' is the complex relationship between heritage and identity. The story shows how different characters view and value their cultural heritage in different ways.

Since we lack the details of the 1955 short story, we can make some educated guesses. Given Walker's oeuvre, themes of social injustice might be present. It could be about the unequal treatment of African - Americans, perhaps in the form of segregation or discrimination in employment. Another possible theme could be family, how families in the African - American community coped with the external pressures and maintained their unity. Also, the theme of self - discovery might be there, as characters often strive to find their place in a world that tries to limit them.

The family home itself is a symbol. It's a place full of memories and a connection to the family's roots. It stands in contrast to Dee's new world. While Dee seems to be moving away from it, Maggie is more closely tied to it, highlighting the different attitudes towards family and heritage.

The message could vary depending on one's interpretation. But often, it might touch on themes of identity, struggle, or personal growth.