Arts >> Theater >> Theater Costumes

How does Walker reveal character by describing her clothing?

In "Everyday Use," Alice Walker uses the characters' clothing to reveal aspects of their personality and social status. Here are a few examples:

Dee:

- African dresses, dashikis, kinte cloth headwraps: These symbolize Dee's embrace of her African heritage and cultural identity.

- Jewelry made from shells, old buttons, and plastic rings: These handmade accessories suggest Dee's creativity and artistic inclination.

- High-heeled shoes: These shoes, in contrast to the traditional African attire, hint at Dee's desire for modernity and fashion-forwardness.

Maggie:

- Plain and faded dress: Maggie's simple and worn-out dress reflects her humble background and modest lifestyle.

- Headscarf: The headscarf, commonly worn by rural women, emphasizes Maggie's connection to tradition

- Burn Marks: The burns marks ofMaggie's hands add dimension to her character. They hint at her past struggles and resilience. Her scarred hands indicate a life of hard work and challenges and contrast sharply with Dee's elaborate appearance which serves as a reminder of the differing perspectives held by the sisters

- Old apron: The apron symbolizes Maggie's role as homemaker domestic chores

Through these detailed descriptions of clothing, Walker provides insights into her characters' identities, values, and experiences.

Theater Costumes

Related Categories