Heritage and Identity in Alice Walker's "Everyday Use"

Introduction

Alice Walker's short story "Everyday Use" is a poignant exploration of heritage, identity, and the varying interpretations of cultural legacy as experienced by an African American family. Set in the rural South, the narrative unfolds through the perspective of Mama, a hard-working, practical woman, and her two daughters, Dee and Maggie. The story delves into their differing attitudes towards family heirlooms and cultural heritage, offering a rich commentary on the complexities of cultural identity and the ways in which it is preserved and valued. By examining the characters' interactions and their relationships with their heritage, Walker underscores the importance of a living, breathing connection to one's roots, as opposed to a superficial or aesthetic appreciation.

Body Paragraph

Character analysis is central to understanding the thematic depth of "Everyday Use." Mama, the narrator, represents a practical, grounded approach to heritage. Her life is a testament to the everyday struggles and triumphs of African American women in the rural South. She is deeply connected to her ancestry through her daily life and the objects she uses, which are imbued with personal and familial history. In contrast, Dee, who has left home to pursue an education and a different lifestyle, exhibits a more detached and, arguably, superficial connection to her heritage. Dee's desire to take family heirlooms such as the hand-stitched quilts and churn top for decorative purposes highlights her commodification of culture. She views these items as artifacts rather than practical objects with sentimental value and everyday use. Dee's new name, Wangero, and her adoption of African attire and customs further illustrate her attempt to reclaim an identity that she feels is more authentic, yet her actions suggest a disconnect from her immediate familial past.

Conversely, Maggie embodies a living connection to her heritage. Scarred by a house fire and shy in demeanor, Maggie's understanding of her cultural legacy is intimate and practical. She has learned the traditional skills of quilting from her grandmother and aunt, ensuring that these practices continue within the family. Maggie's character represents the idea that heritage is not merely to be observed or displayed but lived and experienced. Her willingness to use the quilts daily, rather than preserve them as museum pieces, signifies a respect and continuity of tradition that is both functional and reverent. The contrast between Maggie and Dee's attitudes towards the quilts encapsulates the broader thematic conflict in the story: the difference between appreciating one's heritage as a living, evolving practice versus an abstract, aesthetic commodity.

Walker employs symbolism to enrich the narrative and underscore the story's themes. The quilts, in particular, symbolize the family's heritage and the varying attitudes towards it. Hand-stitched by Grandma Dee, the quilts incorporate pieces of clothing worn by generations of ancestors, making them tangible links to the past. Dee's insistence on taking the quilts for display purposes contrasts sharply with Mama's decision to give them to Maggie, who will use them as they were intended. This decision reflects Mama's belief in a living heritage that is integrated into daily life. Similarly, the butter churn and dasher symbolize the practical aspects of heritage. Dee's request to take these items as decorative pieces indicates a disconnection from their original function and the labor they represent, while Mama and Maggie's use of these items in their everyday lives highlights their continued relevance and utility within the family.

Conclusion

"Everyday Use" by Alice Walker offers a nuanced exploration of heritage and identity, highlighting the complexities and conflicts that arise within families regarding the preservation and appreciation of cultural legacy. Through the contrasting characters of Mama, Dee, and Maggie, Walker illustrates the importance of a lived connection to one's heritage, as opposed to a superficial or commodified appreciation. The story emphasizes that true understanding and respect for one's cultural roots come from integrating them into daily life, ensuring that traditions remain alive and meaningful. Walker's narrative serves as a powerful reminder of the need to honor and preserve cultural heritage in ways that are true to its origins and significance, rather than reducing it to mere aesthetic or symbolic value.