Exploring The Symbolism in Everyday Use by Alice Walker

Everyday Use, a short story written by Alice Walker, delves into the complexities of family dynamics, heritage, and the significance of objects. Throughout the text, Walker employs vivid imagery to convey profound messages about identity and the value people attach to their cultural heritage. By analyzing the various instances of imagery in Everyday Use, we can gain a deeper understanding of the story's themes and explore the implications they hold for individuals and society at large.

Body

One of the most prominent instances of imagery in Everyday Use is the portrayal of the quilt, which serves as a symbol of heritage and identity. The quilt is described as a patchwork of various fabrics, each with its own history and significance. Through the imagery of the quilt, Walker highlights the importance of preserving one's cultural heritage and the unique stories that come with it.

According to the text, the quilt contains pieces of clothing worn by family members who came before, such as "a piece of Great Grandpa Ezra's uniform that he wore in the Civil War" (Walker 10). This imagery evokes a sense of connection to the past and emphasizes the value of familial history. By using the quilt as a symbol, Walker underscores the idea that one's heritage should be cherished and passed down through generations.

Another instance of imagery in the story is the burned house, which represents the disconnection between Dee, the story's protagonist, and her roots. The description of the house as "burned to the ground" (Walker 5) conveys a sense of loss and destruction. This imagery suggests that Dee's desire to distance herself from her family's history and adopt a different identity has severed her ties to her cultural heritage.

Furthermore, the burned house can be seen as a metaphor for the erasure of history and the consequences of abandoning one's roots. Through this imagery, Walker underscores the importance of embracing one's heritage and the detrimental effects of severing ties with one's cultural identity.

The imagery of the butter churn in Everyday Use serves as a symbol of the value of labor and the connection between generations. The butter churn, which is described as "a dasher with a handle on it, like in the olden days" (Walker 6), represents the hard work and dedication of the women in the family. It symbolizes the efforts put into creating something valuable and nourishing.

By incorporating this imagery, Walker emphasizes the significance of labor in shaping one's identity and the importance of recognizing the contributions made by previous generations. The butter churn serves as a reminder that one's cultural heritage is not just about objects but also about the experiences and efforts of those who came before.

Conclusion

In Everyday Use, Alice Walker masterfully employs imagery to convey powerful messages about heritage, identity, and the value of cultural traditions. Through the symbolism of the quilt, the burned house, and the butter churn, Walker invites readers to reflect on their own relationship with their heritage and the significance of preserving and honoring it.

By exploring the various instances of imagery in Everyday Use, we gain a deeper understanding of the story's themes and the implications they hold for individuals and society. Walker's use of vivid imagery serves as a reminder that our cultural heritage is not just a collection of objects, but rather a reflection of our identity, roots, and the stories that connect us to our past.

As we navigate the complexities of our modern world, it is crucial to appreciate and preserve our cultural heritage. Through imagery, Everyday Use urges us to embrace our roots, cherish our history, and recognize the value of the traditions that have shaped us into who we are today.

Bibliography

Walker, Alice. "Everyday Use." Women Writers: Texts and Contexts, edited by Janet Gardner et al., 3rd ed., Bedford/St. Martin's, 2015, pp. 5-12.