Understanding Tradition and Culture

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 56 views

Introduction

Literature is a reflection of the human experience, and it often explores the complexities of tradition and culture. In this tutorial, we will delve into the world of literature and examine the ways in which authors use tradition and culture to shape their stories. We will use Alice Walker's short story "Everyday Use" as a case study to explore the themes of tradition, culture, and identity.

Understanding Tradition and Culture

Tradition and culture are two closely related concepts that are often used interchangeably. However, they have distinct meanings. Tradition refers to the customs, practices, and values that are passed down from one generation to the next. It is a way of life that is shaped by history, social norms, and cultural values. Culture, on the other hand, refers to the complex system of knowledge, beliefs, and practices that are shared by a group of people. It encompasses the arts, literature, music, and other creative expressions that reflect the values and traditions of a society.

The Significance of Tradition and Culture in Literature

Tradition and culture play a significant role in literature as they provide a rich source of themes, motifs, and characters. Authors often use tradition and culture to explore the human experience, to critique societal norms, and to celebrate the diversity of human expression. In "Everyday Use," Alice Walker uses tradition and culture to explore the complex relationships between family members and to examine the tensions between traditional and modern values.

Part A: Reading and Analysis

Read the following lines from "Everyday Use":

"You just don't understand. You wouldn't let me do it. You wouldn't let me hang it. You said it was ugly enough to be a quilt. If I had a hundred quilts I wouldn't use one of them to keep warm with, and they would all be just like this one. They would have in them some of the quilts you made for me, though. They would have in them some of the quilts Maggie made for me. I remember the way you used to make me feel when you'd say, 'You can't do this, you can't do that.' I remember the way you used to make me feel when you'd say, 'You can't do this, you can't do that.'"

Discussion Questions:

What is the speaker's attitude towards her mother's quilts?
How does the speaker's mother feel about the quilts?
What does the speaker mean by "you wouldn't let me do it"?
What is the significance of the quilts in the story?

Evidence from the Text:

"You just don't understand. You wouldn't let me do it." (This line suggests that the speaker feels that her mother does not understand her and is trying to control her.)
"You said it was ugly enough to be a quilt." (This line suggests that the speaker's mother has a negative opinion of the quilts.)
"If I had a hundred quilts I wouldn't use one of them to keep warm with, and they would all be just like this one." (This line suggests that the speaker values the quilts for their aesthetic appeal rather than their practical use.)
"They would have in them some of the quilts you made for me, though. They would have in them some of the quilts Maggie made for me." (This line suggests that the speaker wants to preserve the quilts as a way of honoring her family's traditions.)

Analysis:

The speaker's attitude towards her mother's quilts is complex. On the one hand, she values the quilts for their aesthetic appeal and wants to preserve them as a way of honoring her family's traditions. On the other hand, she feels that her mother does not understand her and is trying to control her. The speaker's mother, on the other hand, has a negative opinion of the quilts and sees them as ugly and impractical. The significance of the quilts in the story is that they represent the speaker's connection to her family's traditions and her desire to preserve them.

Part B: Understanding the Themes

Theme 1: Tradition and Culture

The theme of tradition and culture is central to "Everyday Use." The speaker's desire to preserve the quilts is a way of honoring her family's traditions and cultural heritage. The quilts represent the speaker's connection to her family's past and her desire to preserve it for future generations.

Theme 2: Identity

The theme of identity is also closely tied to the theme of tradition and culture. The speaker's identity is shaped by her family's traditions and cultural heritage. Her desire to preserve the quilts is a way of asserting her own identity and connection to her family's past.

Theme 3: Tensions between Traditional and Modern Values

The theme of tensions between traditional and modern values is also present in "Everyday Use." The speaker's mother represents traditional values, while the speaker represents modern values. The speaker's desire to preserve the quilts is a way of honoring her family's traditions, while her mother's negative opinion of the quilts represents a more modern and practical approach to life.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Everyday Use" is a rich and complex story that explores the themes of tradition, culture, and identity. The speaker's desire to preserve the quilts is a way of honoring her family's traditions and cultural heritage. The story highlights the tensions between traditional and modern values and the importance of preserving cultural heritage for future generations.

Glossary

Tradition: customs, practices, and values that are passed down from one generation to the next.
Culture: complex system of knowledge, beliefs, and practices that are shared by a group of people.
Quilt: a type of textile that is made from layers of fabric and is often used for decorative purposes.

References

Walker, A. (1973). Everyday Use. In A. Walker (Ed.), In Love and in Rage (pp. 1-10). New York: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich.

Introduction

In our previous tutorial, we explored the themes of tradition and culture in Alice Walker's short story "Everyday Use." In this Q&A article, we will delve deeper into the world of literature and answer some of the most frequently asked questions about tradition and culture in literature.

Q1: What is the difference between tradition and culture?

A1: Tradition refers to the customs, practices, and values that are passed down from one generation to the next. Culture, on the other hand, refers to the complex system of knowledge, beliefs, and practices that are shared by a group of people.

Q2: How do authors use tradition and culture in their writing?

A2: Authors use tradition and culture in their writing to explore the human experience, to critique societal norms, and to celebrate the diversity of human expression. They often draw on their own cultural heritage and traditions to create rich and complex characters and stories.

Q3: What is the significance of tradition and culture in literature?

A3: Tradition and culture are significant in literature because they provide a rich source of themes, motifs, and characters. They allow authors to explore the complexities of human identity and to critique societal norms.

Q4: How do authors portray tradition and culture in their writing?

A4: Authors portray tradition and culture in their writing through a variety of techniques, including:

Using cultural artifacts and symbols to represent the characters' cultural heritage
Exploring the tensions between traditional and modern values
Creating complex and nuanced characters who embody different cultural traditions
Using language and imagery to evoke a sense of cultural identity

Q5: What are some examples of literature that explores tradition and culture?

A5: Some examples of literature that explores tradition and culture include:

Alice Walker's "The Color Purple"
Zora Neale Hurston's "Their Eyes Were Watching God"
Toni Morrison's "Beloved"
Chinua Achebe's "Things Fall Apart"
Gabriel Garcia Marquez's "One Hundred Years of Solitude"

Q6: How can readers appreciate tradition and culture in literature?

A6: Readers can appreciate tradition and culture in literature by:

Being aware of the cultural context in which the literature was written
Recognizing the ways in which the author uses cultural artifacts and symbols to represent the characters' cultural heritage
Paying attention to the language and imagery used to evoke a sense of cultural identity
Engaging with the literature in a way that is respectful and sensitive to the cultural traditions being represented.

Q7: What are some common themes related to tradition and culture in literature?

A7: Some common themes related to tradition and culture in literature include:

The tension between traditional and modern values
The importance of preserving cultural heritage
The complexities of human identity and cultural identity
The impact of colonialism and imperialism on cultural traditions
The power of cultural traditions to shape individual identity and community.

Q8: How can readers use literature to learn about different cultures and traditions?

A8: Readers can use literature to learn about different cultures and traditions by:

Reading literature from diverse cultural perspectives
Paying attention to the ways in which the author uses cultural artifacts and symbols to represent the characters' cultural heritage
Engaging with the literature in a way that is respectful and sensitive to the cultural traditions being represented
Using literature as a way to explore and learn about different cultural traditions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, tradition and culture are significant themes in literature that provide a rich source of themes, motifs, and characters. Authors use tradition and culture in their writing to explore the human experience, to critique societal norms, and to celebrate the diversity of human expression. By being aware of the cultural context in which the literature was written, recognizing the ways in which the author uses cultural artifacts and symbols to represent the characters' cultural heritage, and engaging with the literature in a way that is respectful and sensitive to the cultural traditions being represented, readers can appreciate tradition and culture in literature.