Short Story Analysis: Point of View, Irony, Symbols, and Themes

First Person

Narrated by the character in the story. Frequent usage of "I."

Second Person

You are the character in the story. Frequent usage of "you."

Third Person Limited

Story is narrated from a viewpoint of a single character. Frequent usage of "he", "she" or "they."

Third Person Omniscient

Story is narrated with full knowledge of thoughts of others, feelings and motivations of multiple characters.

Point of View of 'The Possibility of Evil'

Third Person Omniscient

Point of View of 'Everyday Use'

First Person

Setting of 'The Possibility of Evil'

A lovely small and idyllic town where Mrs. Strangeworth lives.

Setting of 'Everyday Use'

Mama's yard

Main Conflict of 'The Possibility of Evil'

Miss Strangeworth vs. townspeople

Main Conflict of 'Everyday Use'

Mama vs. Dee

Protagonist of 'The Possibility of Evil'

Miss Adela Strangeworth

Protagonist Trait of 'The Possibility of Evil'

Possessive

Protagonist of 'Everyday Use'

Mama

Protagonist Trait of 'Everyday Use'

Practical

Antagonist of 'The Possibility of Evil'

The townspeople who retaliate

Antagonist of 'Everyday Use'

Dee

Climax of 'The Possibility of Evil'

Miss Strangeworth's secret letter is discovered and someone destroys her roses.

Climax of 'Everyday Use'

Maggie understands and values the quilts' true meaning.

Denouement of 'The Possibility of Evil'

Miss Strangeworth receives a letter revealing her roses were destroyed.

Denouement of 'Everyday Use'

Dee leaves, and Mama and Maggie sit together peacefully.

Verbal Irony

Saying the opposite of what is meant.

Situational Irony

When the opposite of what is expected occurs.

Dramatic Irony

When the audience knows something the characters do not.

Symbol in 'The Possibility of Evil'

Roses - represent Miss Strangeworth's pride and false purity

Symbol in 'Everyday Use'

Quilts - represent heritage and family legacy

Theme of 'The Possibility of Evil'

Hidden cruelty behind appearances

Theme of 'Everyday Use'

True heritage is lived, not displayed

Mama's Decision

Mama chooses to give the quilts to Maggie instead of Dee.