Alice Walker's "Everyday Use": a Study of Heritage and Identity

Introduction

Alice Walker's short story "Everyday Use" is a poignant exploration of cultural heritage and personal identity. Written in 1973, the story delves into the lives of an African American family in the rural South, focusing on the conflicting perspectives of two sisters, Dee and Maggie, and their mother, referred to as Mama. Through the narrative, Walker examines the diverse ways in which heritage can be valued and preserved, as well as the complexities of self-identity within the context of cultural change. This essay will analyze the thematic elements of heritage and identity in "Everyday Use," exploring how Walker uses character development and symbolism to convey her message.

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The concept of heritage is central to "Everyday Use," and Walker uses the contrasting attitudes of Dee and Maggie to highlight different approaches to cultural preservation. Dee, who has changed her name to Wangero Leewanika Kemanjo, represents a modern, more superficial understanding of heritage. She is educated, confident, and assertive, yet her approach to her family's legacy is marked by a desire to distance herself from her immediate past. Dee's new name and her attempt to claim family heirlooms, such as the hand-stitched quilts, signify her wish to connect with a broader African heritage while simultaneously rejecting her direct lineage. Her interest in the quilts is not rooted in their sentimental value or their history of practical use but rather in their aesthetic and symbolic significance as cultural artifacts.

In stark contrast, Maggie embodies a more authentic and lived experience of heritage. Scarred from a house fire and shy in demeanor, Maggie lacks Dee's outward confidence but possesses a deep, intrinsic connection to her family's traditions. Unlike Dee, Maggie understands the practical and personal history embedded in the family heirlooms. Her knowledge of the quilts' origins, having been taught to sew by her grandmother, underscores her role as a custodian of her family's heritage. Maggie's acceptance of her heritage is not performative but an integral part of her daily life, reflecting a continuity that Dee's approach lacks.

Mama serves as the narrative's anchor, providing insight into the divergent paths taken by her daughters. Her perspective is grounded in practicality and an understanding of heritage that encompasses both the past and the present. Mama's decision to give the quilts to Maggie instead of Dee is a pivotal moment in the story, symbolizing her recognition of Maggie's genuine appreciation for their legacy. This act also highlights Mama's disapproval of Dee's superficial engagement with her heritage. Through Mama's eyes, Walker critiques the commodification of culture and emphasizes the importance of genuine, lived experiences in preserving one's heritage.

The quilts themselves serve as a powerful symbol in the story, representing the intersection of past, present, and future. They are crafted from scraps of clothing worn by ancestors, each piece carrying its own history and memories. The quilts' practical use in everyday life contrasts with Dee's intention to display them as mere art objects. This juxtaposition illustrates Walker's commentary on the true essence of heritage—it is not something to be hung on a wall and admired from a distance but something to be actively engaged with and incorporated into daily life. The quilts, therefore, become a metaphor for the continuity of cultural identity, stitched together from the remnants of the past and carried forward through everyday use.

Conclusion

In "Everyday Use," Alice Walker masterfully explores the themes of heritage and identity through the lens of a single family's experiences. By contrasting the characters of Dee and Maggie, Walker highlights the different ways in which cultural heritage can be perceived and valued. Dee's superficial approach stands in stark contrast to Maggie's lived and practical connection to her family's legacy, underscoring the importance of genuine engagement with one's heritage. The quilts, as a central symbol, encapsulate this message, representing the tangible and intangible threads that bind generations together. Ultimately, Walker's story is a powerful reminder of the complexities of identity and the enduring significance of heritage in shaping who we are. Through her nuanced portrayal of these themes, Walker encourages readers to reflect on their own connections to their cultural past and to consider the ways in which they honor and preserve their heritage in their daily lives.