Journal of Basra researches for Human Sciences

This study explores Alice Walker’s short story “Everyday use” (1973), with a particular focus on her use of the quilt as a powerful metaphor that underscores the significance of African American culture during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. The research begins by contextualizing Walker’s unique metaphorical deployment of the quilt, contrasting it with its representation in the works of other writers. It then delves into key scholarly interpretations, analyzing various critical perspectives that have shaped the understanding of the story’s themes.
A central aspect of the study is the examination of the contrasting viewpoints of the main characters—Mama, Maggie, and Dee—each of whom embodies different attitudes toward heritage, tradition, and modernization. Through these character dynamics, Walker presents a nuanced commentary on the evolving nature of Black identity, particularly in the wake of societal shifts brought about by the Civil Rights Movement. The quilt, in this context, emerges as more than just a family heirloom; it serves as a complex symbol of historical continuity, communal bonds, and the tension between cultural preservation and assimilation.

By analyzing Walker’s portrayal of the quilt and its layered significance, this study sheds light on the broader implications of material culture in African American history. The research ultimately concludes by reaffirming Walker’s advocacy for the preservation of African American cultural heritage and ancestral values, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a tangible connection to one’s roots amidst the pressures of modernization and societal change

The present study adopts Antonio Gramsci\'s theory of cultural hegemony in the analysis of Rajaa Alsanea\'s Girls of Riyadh to investigate power, gender, and social norms in Saudi society. It examines how religious and cultural institutions, in addition to other dominant patriarchal systems, restrict women\'s freedom. Through the lives of four young ladies, the novel highlights the conflict between tradition and modernity. The study deeply scrutinizes how women negotiate, resist, and disobey these hegemonic norms. The study contributes to an understanding of Saudi literature, particularly gendered power relations and potential for social transformation.