A Deep Dive into Symbolism in Alice Walker’s Everyday Use

Alice Walker's short story "Everyday Use" is a compelling tale that looks into the nuances of heritage, identity, and the African American experience. By focusing on the dynamics within a rural family, Walker digs deep into how heritage and culture are viewed and appreciated. The story is full of symbols that highlight the main themes and offer a clearer view of the characters' drives and disputes. This essay takes a closer look at the important symbols in "Everyday Use" and explains how they add to the story's overall message.

Symbolism in Alice Walker's "Everyday Use": A Deep Dive

Let's start with one of the most striking symbols—the family quilts. These quilts aren't just for keeping warm; they're like a patchwork of the family's heritage, showcasing tradition passed down through generations. They're hand-sewn by the family's matriarchs, embodying skills and history that's been handed down. Now Dee, who goes by Wangero to reflect her African roots, sees these quilts as cultural treasures. She wants to hang them on her wall as a nod to her new identity. But for her mom and sister Maggie, these quilts are practical objects with personal meaning. Maggie learned quilting from her grandma, so she knows their real value—something woven into her daily life. Here we see two views: Dee’s more surface-level appreciation versus Maggie’s genuine connection.

Another big symbol is Dee's new name—Wangero Leewanika Kemanjo. With this name change, Dee tries to connect back to her African roots while breaking away from her immediate family's past, which she links to hardship. Her mom and sister see it differently—they think it's just a show rather than a true embrace of roots. The name change reflects Dee’s struggle with identity and how she's trying to create a new self-image aligned with her awakening. Yet it also shows how distant she is from her family's real-life experiences.

Then there's the butter churn top—a pretty neat symbol when you think about it. Dee wants it as a decor piece, valuing its looks over its use. Meanwhile, her mom and Maggie see it as an everyday tool—essential to their lives. This split shows the tension between seeing things as useful or just nice-looking. For Dee, it's something cultural to admire; for her family, it's part of their work and home life.

The house itself is pretty symbolic too. Built by family hands, it stands strong as proof of their hard work. Dee doesn’t have much love for it; she wants to leave it behind because it reminds her of everything she wants to escape from—her immediate past mostly. But for her mom and Maggie? They’re attached—it’s home! It symbolizes their pride in their background even if modest.

Finally—let's not forget Maggie's burn scars—quite symbolic indeed! They tell tales of suffering but also resilience—a constant reminder etched onto skin representing hardships faced by both family and herself personally endured yet emerged stronger despite everything unlike Dee who seems keen on erasing/redefining past...Maggie quietly carries hers alongside strength she draws upon when times get tough contrasting sharply against performative nature exhibited by sister showcasing different approaches individuals take dealing w/heritage.

Conclusion

To sum up—the symbolism packed into Alice Walker's "Everyday Use" deepens our understanding not only about characters involved but central themes related: heritage identity plus cultural value too explored through symbols such as those quilts mentioned earlier along with names changed items churn tops houses burned scars—all enriching narrative inviting readers reflect own relationships concerning cultural familial legacies ultimately challenging us contemplate true honoring preserving said heritage amid everyday lives lived.

References

• Walker, A. (1973). Everyday Use: For Your Grandmama.
• Kelley Griffith (1994). Writing Essays About Literature: A Guide and Style Sheet.
• Cowart, D., & Cowart, D.C.W.E.P.(2010) Heritage And Deracination In Walker's 'Everyday Use'.
• Tuten,N.H.(1993)Alice Walker's Everyday Use Critical Analysis Study Guide Sources Included!
• Baker,H.A.Jr.,(1987)Modernism And The Harlem Renaissance Oxford University Press USA