In Alice Walker’s short story “Everyday Use,” the author delves deep into themes of heritage, identity, and the complexity of familial relationships through the lens of African American culture. Set against the backdrop of rural Georgia, the story revolves around a mother and her two daughters, Dee and Maggie, who represent contrasting perspectives on their cultural heritage. This essay aims to analyze these characters and their relationships while exploring how Walker uses symbolism and narrative voice to convey her message about identity and the significance of everyday life.
Characters: A Study in Contrasts
The two sisters, Dee and Maggie, embody divergent views on their heritage. Dee is portrayed as an educated woman who has distanced herself from her roots. Her desire for a new identity is reflected in her name change from “Dee” to “Wangero Leewanika Kemanjo.” This act symbolizes not just a rejection of her given name but also an attempt to reclaim a sense of cultural pride that she feels has been stripped away by societal pressures. On the other hand, Maggie represents a more traditional view; she embraces her heritage quietly yet profoundly. Unlike Dee’s flamboyant approach to identity, Maggie’s understanding is rooted in personal experience and familial connections.
One poignant moment that highlights their differences is when Dee comes home to visit after years away at college. Her arrival is marked by an air of superiority; she walks with confidence but also with an underlying disdain for her family’s way of life. In contrast, Maggie appears shy and self-conscious, scarred by both past trauma (a house fire that left her physically marked) and an upbringing that instilled in her humility rather than pride. This stark contrast sets up a tension between the two sisters that reflects broader societal themes regarding race, class, and cultural ownership.
The Mother’s Perspective: A Narrative Voice
The story is narrated from the perspective of Mama (Mrs. Johnson), which plays a crucial role in shaping our understanding of both daughters’ identities. Mama’s voice brings warmth but also reveals her struggles with self-worth as she compares herself to others throughout the narrative. For instance, she often reminisces about Dee’s past struggles—how proud she felt when Dee would perform well academically—but those memories are tainted with disappointment as she observes how detached Dee has become from their way of life.
Moreover, Mama’s straightforward manner illustrates her groundedness amidst her daughters’ conflicting ideals about heritage. She embodies resilience through hardship; it’s clear that she has worked hard to provide for herself and Maggie while still valuing their ancestral lineage deeply. Her ultimate decision at the end—to give Maggie the quilts instead of Dee—highlights not only maternal love but also respect for authenticity over superficiality.
Symbolism: The Quilts
Quilts serve as one of Walker’s most powerful symbols in “Everyday Use.” They represent not just family history but also different ways individuals can engage with that history. For Mama and Maggie, these quilts are embodiments of love stitched together over generations—they’re practical items meant for everyday use rather than mere artifacts displayed on walls like art pieces.
Conversely, for Dee/Wangero, they symbolize something more abstract—a trophy or object to showcase her newfound identity rather than tools connecting people to their history. When Mama refuses to give them up so easily to Dee—a pivotal moment reflecting Mama’s realization—she underscores that true appreciation involves living with one’s culture daily rather than treating it as ornamental decor.
Cultural Identity: Reclaiming Heritage
The clash between how each character perceives their African American heritage poses larger questions about what it means to be connected culturally today versus traditionally rooted identities passed down through generations. Walker seems critical not only toward those who may commodify culture (represented by Dee) but also toward individuals like Mama who might initially overlook or undervalue their own stories until faced with contrasting perspectives.
This complex interplay invites readers into deeper reflection on our ties—what we choose to celebrate versus what we deem unworthy or mundane within our own lives may sometimes reveal unexamined prejudices or assumptions we hold regarding others’ lived experiences as well.
Conclusion: The Significance of Everyday Life
Alice Walker’s “Everyday Use” ultimately champions authenticity over superficiality when grappling with issues surrounding cultural identity within African American communities—making it relevant beyond its immediate context even today! Through nuanced characterizations exemplified in figures like Mama who navigate difficult terrains where belonging often feels fraught alongside tangible objects such as quilts embodying collective memory woven together across time itself—we are reminded about embracing every aspect inherent within our histories without judgment nor dismissiveness!
- Walker, Alice. “Everyday Use.” In *In Love & Trouble: Stories of Black Women*, 1973.
- Gates Jr., Henry Louis., & McKay Jr., Charles T., eds.. *The Norton Anthology of African American Literature*. New York: W.W.Norton & Company Inc., 1996.
- Khan-Cullors Brignac , Patrice . “Cultural Ownership.” *Journal Of Cultural Studies*, vol 14 no 1 (2017): pp 42-57
- Tate , Claudia . “The Significance Of Everyday Life”. *American Literature*. Vol 67 No 4 (1995): pp 634-652
