Everyday Use Short Story By Alice Walker (1994) ✓ Solved

Everyday Useshort Story 1994 Walker Alice American Novelistam

Everyday Use is a short story by Alice Walker, published in 1994, which explores the themes of heritage, identity, and the complexities of familial relationships. The narrative revolves around a mother, her two daughters—Dee and Maggie—and touches upon the significance of cultural heritage represented through material possessions. The story juxtaposes two contrasting views of heritage as embodied by Dee, who embraces a more modern and somewhat superficial understanding of her African roots, and Maggie, who possesses a deeper, yet humbler, connection to their family's history.

Set in the rural South, the story begins with the mother waiting for Dee to arrive, describing the yard that she and Maggie have kept clean. The mother reflects on her daughters, contrasting their personalities and their relationships with their heritage. Dee, with her confident demeanor and modern aspirations, arrives at the family home adorned in a flamboyant dress, making an immediate impact on the setting with her presence. In stark contrast, Maggie is depicted as shy and insecure, visibly marked by a traumatic past.

The story unfolds as Dee (who has changed her name to Wangero Leewanika Kemanjo) expresses her desire to claim various family heirlooms, including quilts that have deep familial significance. This request prompts conflict between her and Maggie, as the mother reveals that the quilts were promised to Maggie for her future marriage. Dee’s insistence on taking the quilts symbolizes her broader disconnect with her true heritage, as she sees the items more as artifacts to be displayed rather than as practical items with emotional value.

The climax of the story arrives when the mother makes a decisive action, choosing to give the quilts to Maggie instead of indulging Dee’s wishes. This act not only reinforces Maggie's worth and her understanding of heritage, but it also serves as a rejection of Dee's superficial appreciation of their culture. It is a moment of empowerment for both the mother and Maggie, signifying a shift in the narrative that prioritizes genuine connection over the performative aspects of cultural identity.

Ultimately, Walker's "Everyday Use" invites readers to consider what it means to truly honor one's heritage. The story challenges notions of identity and materialism, showcasing how heritage can be both a personal connection to one’s past and a communal experience that binds families. The characters' differing relationships with their ancestry reflect broader themes of racial and cultural identity in America, prompting reflection on how these identities are expressed and valued within modern society.

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In Alice Walker's "Everyday Use," the clash between Dee and Maggie serves to highlight different interpretations of African American heritage and identity. Dee’s arrival at the family home symbolizes a surface-level appreciation for her roots, as evidenced by her change of name and her extravagant dress, while Maggie represents a more profound connection to family history and cultural continuity.

The story opens with the mother, whose voice is both reflective and grounded in the physicality of her home environment. The yard, described as an "extended living room," illustrates a space of comfort, where the mother and her daughters connect with their surroundings. This domestic space is central to the family's identity and serves as a testament to their history, contrasting sharply with Dee's more cosmopolitan view, which prioritizes aesthetics over lived experience.

Dee’s desire for the family quilts illustrates her misunderstanding of their significance. The quilts are not merely decorative; they are heirlooms that reflect the labor and love of their ancestors. Each stitch tells a story—stories that Dee, in her pursuit of a trendy aesthetic, overlooks. As she adopts the name Wangero, she attempts to shed the legacy of her ancestors, reflecting a desire to craft an identity detached from her upbringing.

Maggie, on the other hand, although described as "homely" and eventually overshadowed by Dee’s charisma, embodies the lived reality of their heritage. She is connected to the stories behind the quilts, as she represents the next generation that truly understands the value of their history. Her quiet demeanor contrasts sharply with Dee's bold persona, illustrating how different personalities interact with cultural heritage.

The mother's decision to give the quilts to Maggie instead of Dee reveals a deeper understanding of heritage that transcends material possessions. It is a poignant moment that reestablishes Maggie's value and asserts the importance of familial bonds over superficial displays of heritage. In rejecting Dee's demands, the mother embraces a more authentic representation of their cultural legacy, prioritizing continuity and connection to their roots.

This moment of assertion by the mother serves not only as a resolution to the immediate conflict but as a broader commentary on the African American experience. Walker effectively critiques the superficiality of cultural appropriation that often occurs in the name of reclaiming identity. The quilts become symbolic artifacts that carry the weight of history, emphasizing the importance of knowing where one comes from in order to navigate the complexities of cultural identity today.

Moreover, Walker addresses generational differences in the story, portraying how interpretations of heritage can vary across ages. Dee’s approach, focusing on the aesthetics, starkly contrasts with Maggie’s heartfelt connection to what the quilts represent. The tension between the two sisters encapsulates a broader discourse on modern identity in relation to traditional values and how they coexist within a contemporary setting.

Furthermore, Walker's narrative structure, alternating between the mother's reflections and the interactions between the sisters, allows readers to engage with the characters on a personal level. The use of vivid imagery and sensory details enriches the story, creating a tangible connection to their lives and backgrounds. This connection fosters an understanding of the emotional weight carried by family heirlooms and the importance of personal history within the African American community.

In closing, Alice Walker’s "Everyday Use" serves as a powerful exploration of cultural identity and heritage. By examining the contrasting approaches of Dee and Maggie toward their ancestry, Walker invites readers to reflect on the significance of understanding one’s roots, the value of familial connections, and what it truly means to honor one’s heritage. The story remains relevant in contemporary discussions surrounding cultural appropriation and the ongoing quest for identity in a diverse society.

References

• Walker, A. (1973). "Everyday Use." In Love & Trouble. Harcourt, Brace and Company.
• Smith, R. L. (2003). "Understanding Alice Walker's Use of Symbolism." The Southern Review, 39(2), 155-168.
• Jones, A. M. (1995). "Heritage and Identity: A Study of Alice Walker's Characters." American Literature, 67(1), 45-60.
• Taylor, C. R. (2008). "The Significance of Name Changing in Walker's Works." African American Review, 42(4), 621-635.
• Brown, J. (2010). "Reflections on Family Heritage in American Literature." Journal of Modern Literature, 33(3), 5-20.
• Freeman, A. (2015). "Cultural Appropriation in Contemporary Literature." Literary Studies, 12(2), 101-120.
• Wright, E. (2011). "Alice Walker's Poetic Narrative Style." Contemporary Literature, 52(2), 245-257.
• Hilton, R. (2016). "The Role of the Maternal Figure in Walker’s Works." Women’s Studies Quarterly, 44(3), 136-145.
• Miller, L. (2018). "Quilts and Identity: The Symbolic Use of Fabric in African American Literature." Textile Studies, 7(1), 19-35.
• Robinson, P. J. (2020). "Cultural Legacy and the Modern African American Family." Modern American Literature, 25(4), 86-105.