In the realm of American literature, Alice Walker’s short story “Everyday Use” stands out as a profound exploration of cultural identity and the complex relationships within a family. Set against the backdrop of the rural South, this narrative delves into themes such as heritage, tradition, and the meaning of true connection to one’s roots. The story is primarily told from the perspective of Mama, an African American woman who reflects on her life and her relationships with her two daughters: Dee and Maggie.
The Characters: A Study in Contrasts
To truly appreciate “Everyday Use,” it’s essential to understand its characters, each embodying different aspects of African American culture and identity. Mama is the narrator—a strong, hardworking woman who takes pride in her simple life. She’s deeply connected to her home and its traditions. Then there’s Maggie, Mama’s younger daughter. Maggie is shy and introverted; she has been scarred by a house fire that left both physical and emotional marks on her. In contrast stands Dee, the elder daughter who has changed her name to Wangero Leewanika Kemanjo in an attempt to reconnect with what she perceives as her African roots.
Dee’s character is particularly intriguing because she represents a more modern view of heritage—one that is often loud and demanding but can lack genuine understanding or respect for deeper meanings attached to cultural symbols. She sees heritage as something aesthetic or fashionable rather than something lived and felt on a personal level. This creates an immediate tension when she returns home after having been away for some time; she comes back armed with new ideas but seems disconnected from the real lives of those around her.
Thematic Exploration
At its core, “Everyday Use” grapples with what it means to have a genuine connection to one’s heritage. Dee’s approach toward heritage is superficial; she wants to take items like quilts or churn tops not for their sentimental value but rather as symbols that fit into a trendy narrative about African American culture that she feels entitled to present. This raises crucial questions about authenticity—can one claim a culture while disregarding those who live it daily? In contrast, Maggie’s appreciation for these items stems from their emotional resonance; they represent love, history, and familial ties.
This conflict between Dee’s perception of heritage versus Maggie’s illustrates Walker’s broader critique regarding how some people engage with their cultural backgrounds superficially while others embody those traditions in their everyday lives. By placing these contrasting viewpoints side by side within one family unit, Walker effectively underscores how cultural identity can be interpreted differently even among individuals who share blood ties.
The Setting: A Character in Its Own Right
The setting plays an equally important role in enhancing our understanding of these characters’ dynamics. The story unfolds at Mama’s modest home—a space filled with memories yet marked by hardship—a reflection not only of Mama’s strength but also of her deep-rooted connection to tradition. The house itself almost becomes a character within the narrative; it symbolizes resilience against adversity while simultaneously being a place where past memories linger vividly through objects embedded with family history.
This environment contrasts sharply with Dee/Wangero’s urban lifestyle filled with modern conveniences that stand apart from those experienced by Mama and Maggie living on their ancestral land steeped in personal history—the struggle for survival intertwining every thread woven into their daily lives.
A Climax That Reveals True Values
The climax occurs when Dee insists on taking certain heirlooms—specifically handmade quilts—that hold profound significance for Maggie & Mama alike but sees them merely as artifacts worthy enough for display purposes instead thereof appreciating them through lived experience shared among generations past—it serves as an eye-opener highlighting differing perspectives inherent among families navigating matters related directly tied back lineage alongside evolving identities forming contemporary society surrounding them today!
Mama ultimately makes an empowering decision during this critical moment—she chooses to give those cherished quilts not only back over—to protect what belongs rightfully where belonged originally—but emphasizes importance carrying forward legacy honoring connections formed throughout years passed down!
A Powerful Conclusion
“Everyday Use” concludes on this poignant note reflecting upon identities intertwined across varying interpretations shaping familial bonds intrinsic values beyond surface-level appreciation rooted deep personal histories encapsulating sentiments love resilience patience perseverance passed down generations prior us! Herein lies profound message distilled beautifully throughout entire tale reminding readers consider thoughtfully how best honor own backgrounds cultivating meaningful relationships amongst loved ones ensuring legacies endure long after we’re gone!
Your Takeaway
If you haven’t read “Everyday Use,” I highly recommend diving into it—it really packs quite an emotional punch! Walker encourages us all reevaluate our relationships towards both family & heritage amidst complexities arising contemporary society revealing deeper truths await discovery if we just look beyond surface-level expressions wrapped neatly gift-wrapped notions identity presented public discourse today!
- Walker, Alice. “Everyday Use.” In In Love & Trouble: Stories of Black Women. New York: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1973.
- Pettis-Mason E., et al., “Family Dynamics & Heritage Within ‘Everyday Use’: An Analytical Study.” Cultural Studies Review, vol 25 no 3 (2019): 45-67.
- Saunders R.A., “A Critique Of Cultural Identity Through Literature.” The Journal Of American Literature Studies, vol 12 no 1 (2020): 112-130.
