Mother is, probably, the first person for a girl who symbolizes all qualities that a woman should possess. Therefore, the mother is also the first person who can explain to her daughter the basic purposes and roles that a woman should perform in life. Therefore, the bond between mother and daughter is central because it identifies feminine dignity and cultivates the best qualities. In the story Everyday Use by Alice Walker, the author sheds light on complex relations between mother, Mrs. Johnson, and her two daughters. Specific focus should be made on the analysis of relations between Mrs. Johnson and her younger daughter Maggie who share identical values and moral principles. I think such a bond is good because it allows a girl to define her identity and strengthen the bond between the two generations.
Establishing good relationships between a mother and a daughter shapes a firm foundation for moral and ethical values that a daughter will inherit in the future. Being a mother, therefore, implies meeting the needs of an infant for love, support, and approval. Moreover, favoring mother-daughter relations allows a daughter to find her identity and place in life. As it is described in Alice Walker’s novel called Everyday Use, the main heroine Mrs. Johnson strives to share her views, habits, and traditions with her younger daughter Maggie. They are both fond of similar hobbies and activities and, therefore, Maggie personifies her mother’s outlooks on life. Thus, the heroine says, “I asked Maggie to bring me a dip of snuff. And the two of us sat there just enjoying, until it was time to go in the house and go to bed” (Walker 35). Maggie and her mother share common values and purposes and, therefore, it is easy for Maggie to predict her life goals in the future.
Daughter sometimes dominates in a mother-daughter relationship, which should not be regarded negatively. On the contrary, the daughter can have different purposes and liking and, therefore, their mother can serve as the opposition to her qualities. For instance, in Walker’s story, the elder daughter of the heroine rejects her identity, but still she prevails in their relationships. Unlike her mother, she is a well-educated and strong-willed character. In such a situation, the mother can take advantage of the daughter’s straightforward outlook on life. Therefore, this relationship is also acceptable because it can also strengthen the bond between two women.
The importance of the mother-daughter bond is enormous because it will play a crucial role in the future of a daughter. Both women should realize that mutual love and support could enhance their social position and strengthen their spiritual and emotional welfare. Therefore, the mother is always happy when seeing her daughter as a reflection of herself. At the same time, she is also ready to support her, even though her aspirations are different from the ones her mother expects. In Walker’s story, Mrs. Johnson treats equally her daughters despite the fact that they have different attitudes to life. She is ready to provide love and support.
In conclusion, mother-daughter relationships are definitely good because they strengthen feminine identity, identify gender roles, and establish a strong bond between two generations. Both mother and daughter should express mutual love and support for each other. The role of a mother, therefore, is confined to educating her daughter as a mother and wife whereas a daughter should learn to respect her mother as the first person exemplifying feminine dignity. The story Everyday Use provides a wider picture of such relations. In particular, it is possible to follow two different bonds between mother and her daughter. Younger daughter reflects her mother’s identity. In contrast, the elder daughter is more concerned with her own goals.
References
Walker Alice. “Everyday Use”. Everyday Use: Alice Walker. Ed. Barbara T. Christian. US: Rutgers University Press, 1994. 21-35. Print.