黑人文化与白人强势文化的撞击——沃克《外婆的日用家当》小说解读

Cultural Conflict in Everyday Use by Alice Walker

美国黑人女作家沃克,从黑人和女性的视角出发,在小说《外婆的日用家当》中刻画了三个黑人女性,充分展示了黑人女性如何在以白人文化为主流的美国社会中保持自己独立的女性意识及个性,发展自己的独特文化。沃克以被子为象征,反映了占强势地位的白人文化与处于弱势地位的黑人文化之间的矛盾与冲突,表明了黑人文化和生活价值取向。

Alice Walker has developed a deep and meaningful symbolism in her short story Everyday Use that not only enhances the story s literary worth overall, but also illustrates two responses to the history and culture of black people. The conflict during the reunion of the family members reveals the gap that exists between Dee and her mother and her sister concerning their heritage and culture. In the conflict between Dee and her mother, Alice Walker confronts the question of what the true value is of one's heritage and culture . The story shows that one s culture and heritage are represented by neither the possession of the objects nor the external appearance, but by one' s lifestyle and attitude.