Everyday Use Symbolism

In Alice Walker's "Everyday Use," symbolism plays a crucial role in conveying the deeper meaning behind the story. One recurring symbol that holds significant meaning for the narrator is the butter churn and dasher. Throughout the text, the butter churn and dasher represent the narrator's connection to her heritage, the struggle to preserve tradition in the face of modernity, and the conflicting perspectives on the value of cultural artifacts. By examining the symbolism of the butter churn and dasher, we gain a deeper understanding of the narrator's character and the central themes of the story.

Body

Paragraph 1: The butter churn and dasher symbolize the narrator's connection to her heritage. In the opening scene, the narrator describes the butter churn as an object that has been passed down through generations: "Aunt Dee's first husband whittled the dash and Aunt Dee (Wangero) carried the butter churn to the foot of the bed and I followed" (Walker). This passage highlights the narrator's familiarity with the churn and dasher, suggesting that they have been a part of her family's history for a long time. This symbolizes her deep connection to her ancestors and the traditions they passed down.

Paragraph 2: The butter churn and dasher also represent the struggle to preserve tradition in the face of modernity. When Dee, the narrator's daughter, returns home after being away at college, she expresses a desire to take the butter churn and dasher to display as "artifacts" in her home. However, the narrator is hesitant to give them to Dee, as she believes they should be put to practical use: "I can use the churn top as a centerpiece for the alcove table...and I'll think of something artistic to do with the dasher" (Walker). This conflict between Dee's desire to use the churn and dasher as decorative objects and the narrator's insistence on their functional value reflects the tension between preserving tradition and embracing modernity.

Paragraph 3: The symbolism of the butter churn and dasher extends to the conflicting perspectives on the value of cultural artifacts. While the narrator sees the churn and dasher as practical objects with a rich history, Dee views them as valuable pieces of African-American heritage. She believes that by displaying them as art, she can reconnect with her roots: "I can use the churn top as a centerpiece for the alcove table...and I'll think of something artistic to do with the dasher" (Walker). This contrast in perspectives highlights the different ways in which individuals can interpret and assign value to cultural artifacts.

Paragraph 4: Through the symbolism of the butter churn and dasher, Walker explores the complexities of identity and the importance of understanding one's cultural heritage. The narrator's refusal to give the churn and dasher to Dee signifies her belief that true appreciation of heritage lies in using and understanding the objects, rather than simply displaying them as symbols: "I can use the churn top as a centerpiece for the alcove table...and I'll think of something artistic to do with the dasher" (Walker). This suggests that the narrator values the practical knowledge and connection to her heritage that the churn and dasher represent, rather than their symbolic significance alone.

Conclusion

In "Everyday Use," the symbolism of the butter churn and dasher provides deeper insights into the narrator's character and the central themes of the story. Through these symbols, we see the narrator's connection to her heritage, the struggle to preserve tradition in the face of modernity, and the conflicting perspectives on the value of cultural artifacts. By exploring these symbols, Alice Walker prompts readers to consider their own relationship with their cultural heritage and the importance of understanding and appreciating the practical aspects of tradition. As we navigate the complexities of identity and heritage, it is crucial to recognize that true appreciation lies in understanding and actively engaging with our roots.

Bibliography

Walker, Alice. "Everyday Use." Rutgers University Press, 1973.