Everyday Use is a short story written by Alice Walker that explores the themes of heritage, identity, and the meaning of cultural artifacts. The story revolves around a conflict between two sisters, Dee and Maggie, and their mother, Mama. Dee, who has changed her name to Wangero Leewanika Kemanjo, wants to take home various items from their childhood home to display as “artifacts” of their African heritage. Mama, on the other hand, values these objects for their practical use and the memories they hold.
As readers delve into the story, several questions arise regarding the characters’ motivations, the symbolism embedded in the objects, and the overall message of the narrative. What does Walker want us to understand about the tension between preserving heritage and embracing modernity? Is Mama justified in her refusal to give Dee the quilts? What does the character of Maggie represent in contrast to Dee? These questions and more require careful consideration to truly grasp the layers of meaning within Walker’s writing.
This article will provide insightful questions and answers to help readers deepen their understanding and analysis of Everyday Use. By exploring key themes, character motivations, and symbolism, readers can gain a new perspective on the story’s central conflicts and messages. Alice Walker’s Everyday Use continues to captivate audiences with its exploration of cultural identity, making it a rich subject for analysis and discussion.
What is “Everyday Use” by Alice Walker?
“Everyday Use” is a short story written by Alice Walker that explores themes of heritage, identity, and the meaning of cultural artifacts. The story follows a conflict between two sisters, Dee and Maggie, as they navigate their differing perspectives on their family’s quilts and other items of cultural significance.
At the heart of the story is the question of how to preserve and honor one’s heritage. Dee, who has changed her name to Wangero Leewanika Kemanjo and adopted a more Afrocentric lifestyle, views the quilts and other items as important symbols of her African roots. She wants to display them as artistic pieces, removed from their original purpose. On the other hand, Maggie, who has stayed true to her family’s traditions, sees the quilts as functional objects that connect her to her past and ancestors.
The story raises important questions about the commodification of culture and the tension between personal identity and collective heritage. It also explores the idea that cultural artifacts should be appreciated and preserved in a way that maintains their original cultural context and meaning.
Who is the author of “Everyday Use” and what is her background?
Alice Walker is the author of the short story “Everyday Use.” She was born on February 9, 1944, in Eatonton, Georgia, in the United States. Walker is an African-American writer, poet, and activist who is known for her exploration of African-American culture and feminism in her works.
Walker’s background heavily influenced her writing. She grew up in a low-income African-American family and was the youngest of eight children. Her parents were sharecroppers, and she experienced racial segregation and discrimination firsthand. These experiences shaped her understanding of social injustice and motivated her to become an advocate for civil rights and women’s rights.
Walker’s writing often incorporates themes of race, gender, and class. “Everyday Use” is set in the rural South and explores the tension between two African-American sisters, Maggie and Dee, as they navigate their differing views on heritage and the meaning of cultural artifacts. Through the characters and their conflicts, Walker delves into the complexities of identity and the importance of preserving one’s roots.Overall, Alice Walker’s background as a black woman growing up in the South during a time of racial turmoil informs her writing and adds depth to her exploration of themes related to African-American culture and identity in “Everyday Use” and her other works.
Summary of “Everyday Use” by Alice Walker
Alice Walker’s short story, “Everyday Use,” focuses on the complicated relationship between a mother and her two daughters, Maggie and Dee. The story is set in rural Georgia, where the family lives in a small house. The mother, Mama, is a hardworking woman who values practicality and simplicity in life.
The conflict arises when Dee, the older daughter who has recently changed her name to Wangero, comes to visit. Dee has gained an education and seeks to embrace her African heritage by adopting a more traditional lifestyle. She is accompanied by her boyfriend, Hakim-a-barber, who shares her ideals.
Dee expresses her desire to take several valuable family heirlooms, including a handmade quilt, which Mama had promised to Maggie. Mama is torn between her two daughters’ desires and wants to keep the items to pass down to Maggie, who lives a simpler life and values their cultural significance.
In the end, Mama decides to give the quilts to Maggie, who understands and appreciates their history and significance. Dee becomes angry and accuses her mother and sister of not understanding their heritage. Mama realizes that Dee’s newfound identity is superficial and based on material possessions, while Maggie’s connection to their heritage is genuine and ingrained in their everyday lives.
In “Everyday Use,” Alice Walker explores the themes of heritage, identity, and the nature of true cultural appreciation. Through the characters of Mama, Dee, and Maggie, she raises important questions about how we connect to our roots and the importance of understanding the deeper meaning behind cultural artifacts.
Works Cited:
Walker, Alice. “Everyday Use.” Literature: An Introduction to Fiction, Poetry, Drama, and Writing, edited by X. J. Kennedy and Dana Gioia, 8th ed., Pearson, 2016, pp. 423-429.
Main Themes in “Everyday Use”
Alice Walker’s short story “Everyday Use” explores several main themes including the importance of cultural heritage, the power dynamics between characters, and the conflict between tradition and change.
Cultural Heritage:
One of the central themes in “Everyday Use” is the value and significance of cultural heritage. Walker portrays this theme through the contrasting attitudes of the two sisters, Dee and Maggie, towards their family history and traditions. Dee, who has changed her name to Wangero, sees her heritage as a fashionable trend, wanting to display and possess it as decorative items. In contrast, Maggie understands the true meaning and importance of their family heirlooms, seeing them as tangible connections to their past and ancestors.
Power Dynamics:
The theme of power dynamics is explored through the characters’ interactions and relationships. Dee, who has pursued education and moved away from her family, holds a position of power and superiority. She uses her knowledge and sophistication to assert dominance over her mother and sister. This is contrasted with the character of Maggie, who is portrayed as more submissive and shy, lacking the confidence to challenge Dee’s power. The power dynamics in the story highlight the complexities of family relationships and the struggle for control.
Tradition vs. Change:
Another significant theme in “Everyday Use” is the tension between tradition and change. The character of Dee represents the desire for modernization and the rejection of traditional values. She views her cultural heritage as stagnant and antiquated, preferring to establish her own identity based on superficial aspects. In contrast, the character of Mama represents the preservation of tradition and the importance of passing down familial customs and artifacts. The conflict between tradition and change raises questions about the preservation of cultural heritage and the significance of one’s roots.
- In conclusion, “Everyday Use” explores themes such as the importance of cultural heritage, power dynamics, and the conflict between tradition and change. Walker uses the characters and their interactions to illustrate these themes, providing a thought-provoking exploration of identity and family dynamics.
Analysis of the characters in “Everyday Use”
In Alice Walker’s short story “Everyday Use,” the author presents a compelling cast of characters, each with their own unique traits and motivations. Through the exploration of these characters, Walker delves into themes of family, heritage, identity, and the notion of cultural appropriation.
1. Mama (Mrs. Johnson)
Mama serves as the narrator and central character of the story. She is a strong, practical woman who values her family and their history. Mama’s voice provides insight into her perspective and highlights her deep connection to her heritage. She is depicted as a hardworking and pragmatic individual who values the practical use of objects, as seen in her preference for everyday items over the more “artistic” ones.
2. Dee (Wangero)
Dee is Mama’s eldest daughter, who has gone off to college and returned with a new sense of identity. She is portrayed as someone who has embraced her African roots and seeks to claim her cultural heritage. However, her approach to heritage is superficial, as she values objects and aesthetic representation rather than the true essence of her heritage. Dee’s character serves as a critique of cultural appropriation and the commodification of culture.
3. Maggie
Maggie is Mama’s younger daughter, who, unlike Dee, has remained at home and is more closely connected to her family’s heritage. She is described as shy and lacking self-confidence due to an incident in her childhood that left her physically scarred. However, Maggie possesses a deep understanding and appreciation of her family’s heirlooms and the stories they hold. Her character emphasizes the importance of personal connection and genuine understanding of one’s heritage.
In “Everyday Use,” Alice Walker creates complex and multidimensional characters that represent different perspectives on heritage and identity. Through the conflicts between Mama, Dee, and Maggie, the story explores the idea that true appreciation of heritage lies in understanding and personal connection rather than outward displays or possessions.
Symbolism in “Everyday Use”
In Alice Walker’s short story “Everyday Use,” symbolism plays a significant role in conveying the deeper meaning of the characters, their relationships, and the objects they value. Through the use of symbols, Walker explores themes of heritage, identity, and the tension between tradition and progress.
One of the most prominent symbols in the story is the quilts. The quilts represent the family’s history and heritage. Mama, the narrator, describes how the quilts were made from scraps of fabric worn by their ancestors. The quilts symbolize the African-American experience and the struggles faced by previous generations. They are a tangible connection to the past and the collective memory of the family.
Another symbol in the story is the house itself. The house represents tradition and heritage. Mama describes the house as “unburned” and “unlike the other houses in the neighborhood.” It is a symbol of the family’s history and traditions, which have been passed down through generations. The house also represents resilience and strength, as it has stood the test of time and remains a symbol of the family’s roots.
Lastly, the characters themselves serve as symbols. Dee, the daughter who has changed her name to Wangero, represents the clash between traditional and modern values. She wants to embrace her African heritage but does so in a superficial way, seeking out objects that she sees as exotic or valuable. Mama and Maggie, on the other hand, represent a deeper connection to their heritage and value the everyday objects that have been passed down through generations.
In “Everyday Use,” symbolism enhances the reader’s understanding of the characters’ motivations and the themes of the story. From the quilts to the house to the characters themselves, symbolism adds depth and complexity to the narrative, allowing the reader to explore the complexities of heritage, identity, and the choices we make in preserving our past.
Differences between the two sisters in “Everyday Use”
In Alice Walker’s short story “Everyday Use,” the two sisters, Dee and Maggie, have contrasting personalities and attitudes towards their heritage and family heirlooms. These differences become apparent through their actions and beliefs, highlighting the conflict between tradition and modernity.
Dee, the older sister, is portrayed as ambitious and educated, having gone off to college and changed her name to Wangero Leewanika Kemanjo. She values material possessions and sees them as a way to showcase her African heritage. Dee believes that the quilts passed down from her ancestors are artistic objects to be displayed and admired, rather than used for their original purpose of warmth and comfort. Her desire for these quilts stems from a desire for cultural authenticity and connection to her roots.
On the other hand, Maggie, the younger sister, is shy, self-conscious, and humble. She lacks Dee’s education and confidence but possesses a deep understanding and appreciation for her heritage. Maggie sees the quilts as practical items that hold sentimental value and memories of her ancestors. She values their use as a way to honor her heritage and maintain a tangible link to her family’s past.
The differences between the two sisters highlight the tension between preserving traditions and embracing modernity. Dee’s desire to possess the quilts represents her desire to appropriate and commodify her African identity, while Maggie’s attachment to the quilts reflects her genuine connection and understanding of her family’s heritage. Walker’s story explores the complexities of cultural heritage and the significance of acknowledging and respecting one’s roots.
The cultural significance of quilting in “Everyday Use”
In Alice Walker’s short story “Everyday Use,” quilting serves as a symbol of cultural heritage and identity for the African American characters. The quilts in the story are not only functional textiles but also artifacts of the characters’ past and their connection to their roots.
The quilts, made by the characters’ ancestors, represent the labor and creativity of generations. They are a tangible manifestation of the African American experience, reflecting the struggles, triumphs, and traditions passed down through the family. Mama, the narrator of the story, describes the quilts as “bits and pieces of dresses Grandma used to wear” and “scraps of Grandpa’s Paisley shirts.” These descriptions highlight the personal history infused in the quilts, making them precious and significant.
In the story, the quilts become the subject of a conflict between Mama and her daughter, Dee. While Mama views the quilts as a practical item intended for everyday use, Dee sees them as artistic artifacts that deserve to be preserved and displayed. This conflict highlights the different perspectives and attitudes towards cultural heritage. For Mama, the quilts symbolize her connection to her ancestors and the importance of preserving their memory, while Dee views them as objects to be appreciated for their artistic value.
Through the conflict over the quilts, Walker explores the complexities of cultural identity and the tension between embracing tradition and pursuing individuality. Ultimately, Mama decides to give the quilts to her younger daughter, Maggie, who understands and values their cultural significance. This act symbolizes a reclaiming of heritage and an affirmation of the importance of preserving one’s roots.