Answer :
Final answer:
The excerpt from "Everyday Use" illustrates the narrator's pride in her physical strength and connection to her heritage, contrasting it with societal expectations of femininity. It highlights the tension between personal identity and the pressures to conform to beauty standards. The woman's self-perception emphasizes her value in hard work and authenticity rather than superficial appearances.
Explanation:
Meaning of the Excerpt from "Everyday Use"
This excerpt from "Everyday Use" by Alice Walker presents a powerful self-portrait of the narrator, emphasizing her physical strength, practicality, and connection to her heritage, while contrasting it with societal expectations of femininity and beauty.
The narrator describes herself as a large, big-boned woman with rough hands that are capable of performing traditionally masculine labor. The imagery she uses conveys a sense of pride in her abilities, such as killing a hog and working in harsh conditions, showcasing her strength and resilience. In contrast, she reflects on how society perceives women, hinting at an expectation to fit a slimmer, more delicate ideal, as demonstrated by her daughter's desire for her to be lighter and more traditionally beautiful.
This juxtaposition highlights the struggle between personal identity and societal pressures. The narrator's ability to perform hard labor and her confidence in her physicality emphasizes a deep connection to her culture and roots, suggesting that she values her heritage over superficial beauty. Furthermore, references to figures like Johnny Carson illustrate the disparity between the woman's reality and the polished, idealized versions of women often depicted in media.
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