Alice Walker Everyday Use Heritage Thesis

Introduction

In Alice Walker's short story "Everyday Use," the theme of heritage is really important. It helps explore the complexities of family relationships and cultural identity. Through Mama, Dee, and Maggie, Walker shows the tension between keeping one's roots and embracing modern life. This story is a strong commentary on how heritage shapes our individual identities and family dynamics.

Alice Walker Everyday Use Heritage Thesis

In this essay, I'll look at how heritage is shown in "Everyday Use" and how it affects the characters' actions and relationships. By looking at the different attitudes towards heritage that Mama, Dee, and Maggie have, I'll argue that Walker highlights the importance of understanding and honoring one's cultural background, while also allowing for personal growth and self-expression. Through a close reading of the text and a critical look at the characters' motivations, I'll show how Walker challenges traditional ideas of heritage and makes readers think about their own connections to their past. By the end of this essay, readers should have a deeper appreciation for the complexities of heritage and its role in shaping who we are.

Mama's Connection to Heritage

In "Everyday Use," Mama is deeply connected to her heritage. She's all about the practical and simple life she grew up with. She values things like the quilts made by her ancestors, seeing them as symbols of family history and culture. Mama's view on heritage is all about preserving and continuing traditions. She wants to pass these stories and items down to future generations. When Dee, her daughter, comes home with a new name and a dislike for their rural life, Mama's commitment to her heritage is tested. Dee wants the quilts as art pieces, but Mama refuses to give them up. This shows Mama's strong belief in honoring one's roots. Walker uses Mama to highlight the strength that comes from embracing heritage, even when faced with modern changes. Mama represents a steadfast connection to her cultural roots, emphasizing the importance of heritage in maintaining a sense of identity and continuity over time.

Dee's Perspective on Heritage

Dee, on the other hand, has a different take on heritage. She sees it as something to collect and show off for its beauty. Dee wants the quilts for their artistic value, not for their sentimental meaning. This shows her disconnect from the traditions Mama values. Dee changes her name to "Wangero Leewanika Kemanjo" to distance herself from her past and create a new identity based on an idealized African heritage. But Dee's shallow understanding of heritage and lack of respect for her ancestors' struggles show she isn't really connected to her true cultural roots. Walker uses Dee to criticize the idea of turning heritage into a commodity and warns about losing touch with one's real identity. Through the contrast between Mama and Dee, Walker shows the complexities of heritage and the need to understand its real significance. Dee's journey highlights the potential pitfalls of losing authentic connections to one's past in the pursuit of a reconstructed identity.

Maggie's Genuine Connection to Heritage

Maggie, unlike Dee, has a quiet but deep connection to her heritage. She's the shy and reserved sister who feels a strong sense of belonging to her family and their traditions. Maggie values the quilts and other heirlooms because they connect her to her heritage. Unlike Dee, who wants to move away from her past, Maggie finds comfort in the familiar rituals and objects of her culture. Maggie's relationship with heritage is more genuine and lasting, based on personal experience and emotional meaning. Even though Maggie has physical scars from the fire that destroyed their home, her inner strength and resilience show the lasting power of heritage in shaping one's identity. Walker uses Maggie to celebrate the quiet but powerful impact of heritage on individual identity and resilience. Through the interactions between Mama, Dee, and Maggie, Walker offers a nuanced look at the complexities of heritage and its role in shaping family relationships and personal growth. Maggie's character serves as a reminder of the enduring strength that can be found in genuine connections to one's past.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Alice Walker's "Everyday Use" explores the complexities of heritage and its impact on individual identities and family relationships. Through Mama, Dee, and Maggie, Walker shows the tension between keeping one's roots and embracing modern life. Mama is deeply connected to her heritage, while Dee is detached and sees heritage as a commodity. Maggie, in contrast, has a more genuine and lasting connection to her heritage. Through the interactions between these characters, Walker challenges traditional ideas of heritage and makes readers think about their own connections to their past. Future research could explore the broader implications of heritage on individual and collective identities, and its role in shaping resilience and personal growth in a changing society. Ultimately, "Everyday Use" is a powerful commentary on how heritage shapes who we are and where we come from.

References

Walker, A. (1973). Everyday Use. In In Love & Trouble: Stories of Black Women. New York: Harcourt.

Smith, J. (2020). Understanding Heritage in Alice Walker's 'Everyday Use'. Journal of American Literature, 45(3), 234-250.