Everyday Use Maggie and Dee Analysis

In Alice Walker's short story "Everyday Use," the characters of Maggie and Dee serve as illustrations of how individuals from the same background can develop different identities and worldviews. Through Walker's portrayal of Maggie and Dee, she explores themes of heritage, identity, and the complexities of family relationships. This essay will analyze the characters of Maggie and Dee, examining their differing attitudes towards their heritage and the implications of these attitudes on their identities.

Maggie and Dee are sisters who have grown up in the same household, but their personalities and attitudes towards their heritage are starkly different. Maggie is portrayed as shy, reserved, and lacking in self-confidence, while Dee is depicted as assertive, educated, and proud of her African heritage. The differences between the two sisters are apparent from the very beginning of the story, as Maggie is described as being "homely and ashamed of the burn scars down her arms and legs" while Dee is "lighter than Maggie, with nicer hair and a fuller figure."

One of the central conflicts in the story arises from Dee's desire to claim her heritage by taking objects from her family's home to display as cultural artifacts. Dee's approach to her heritage is one of detachment, as she seeks to collect objects such as quilts and butter churns as symbols of her African roots. In contrast, Maggie's attitude towards her heritage is one of quiet acceptance and reverence. She is shown to be content with her life, finding joy and meaning in her daily routines and the traditions passed down from her ancestors.

The quilts in particular serve as a symbol of the differing attitudes of Maggie and Dee towards their heritage. Dee sees the quilts as valuable artifacts to be displayed and admired, while Maggie views them as practical items to be used and cherished in everyday life. The quilts represent the tangible expression of the family's heritage, and the conflict over their ownership highlights the differing perspectives of the two sisters.

Walker uses the characters of Maggie and Dee to explore the complexities of identity and heritage. Dee's rejection of her given name in favor of the African name "Wangero" reflects her desire to disassociate herself from her family's history and claim a new identity rooted in her African heritage. In contrast, Maggie's acceptance of her name and her connection to her family's traditions demonstrate her deep-rooted sense of identity and belonging.

The story ultimately suggests that one's attitude towards heritage is not determined solely by external factors such as education or social status, but by an individual's personal connection to their roots. Maggie's simple and unassuming lifestyle is presented as a valid expression of her heritage, while Dee's attempts to appropriate her family's belongings are shown to be superficial and disconnected from the true spirit of their heritage.

In conclusion, the characters of Maggie and Dee in Alice Walker's "Everyday Use" serve as powerful symbols of the complexities of identity and heritage. Through their differing attitudes towards their family's traditions and possessions, Walker explores the ways in which individuals construct their own identities and navigate the complexities of family relationships. The story encourages readers to consider the significance of heritage and the ways in which it shapes our sense of self. Ultimately, "Everyday Use" challenges us to reflect on our own attitudes towards our heritage and the ways in which it influences our identities.