The Character of Dee in Everyday Use

Everyday Use, a short story written by Alice Walker, explores the complexities of family, heritage, and identity. One of the central characters, Dee, is particularly intriguing due to her conflicting views on heritage and her quest for a personal identity. Through the examination of Dee's actions, dialogue, and symbolism in the text, it becomes evident that she represents the challenges one faces when seeking to reconnect with their cultural roots. This essay will analyze Dee's character in Everyday Use, highlighting her desire for authenticity, her strained relationship with her family, and the implications of her actions.

Dee's Desire for Authenticity

Dee, also known as Wangero, is portrayed as a character who yearns for a connection to her African heritage. She embraces her newfound identity by changing her name and outward appearance, donning African-inspired clothing and accessories. This desire for authenticity is evident when she states, "I couldn't bear it any longer, being named after the people who oppress me" (Walker, 1973). Dee's choice to reject her given name and adopt a new one signifies her search for a personal identity that aligns with her African roots.

Furthermore, Dee's interest in heritage manifests in her desire to possess items with historical significance. She expresses this by requesting her mother to give her various objects from their family home, such as the quilts made by their ancestors. Dee believes that these items hold cultural value and wants to showcase them as artifacts of her heritage. This desire for authenticity highlights Dee's longing to connect with her African roots and validate her identity.

Strained Relationship with Family

Dee's newfound identity and quest for authenticity strain her relationship with her family, particularly her mother and sister. While Dee believes that her family fails to appreciate their heritage, her mother and sister, Maggie, view their heritage differently. To them, heritage is not merely about possessing objects or adopting a new identity; it is deeply rooted in their daily lives and traditions.

Dee's strained relationship with her family is evident when she returns home after being away for a long time. She criticizes her mother's house, calling it a "shack" and expressing dissatisfaction with their rural lifestyle. This disdain for her family's way of life further alienates her from her mother and sister, who find pride and contentment in their modest existence.

Moreover, Dee's insistence on possessing the quilts made by their ancestors becomes a point of contention between her and her family. While Dee views the quilts as artistic and historical artifacts, her mother and sister see them as practical items meant to be used and appreciated in their daily lives. This conflict highlights Dee's disconnection from her family's understanding of heritage and the resulting strain on their relationship.

Implications of Dee's Actions

Dee's actions in Everyday Use have profound implications for her character development and the broader themes of the story. Her rejection of her given name and adoption of a new identity reflect the struggle many individuals face when trying to reconcile their cultural heritage with their personal identity. Dee's desire for authenticity and connection to her African roots is a universal longing experienced by many who seek to understand their cultural heritage.

Furthermore, Dee's strained relationship with her family highlights the complexities of family dynamics and how differing views on heritage can create tension. This tension serves as a reminder that heritage is not a static concept; it is constantly evolving and shaped by individual experiences and interpretations. Dee's actions serve as a catalyst for her family's introspection, forcing them to confront their own understanding of heritage and identity.

Conclusion

The character of Dee in Everyday Use represents the challenges one faces when seeking to reconnect with their cultural roots. Her desire for authenticity, strained relationship with her family, and the implications of her actions highlight the complexities of heritage and personal identity. Dee's character serves as a reminder that heritage is not a singular concept but a multifaceted and evolving part of one's identity. Through the examination of Dee's character in Everyday Use, Alice Walker invites readers to reflect on their own understanding of heritage and its significance in shaping personal identities.

Works Cited
Walker, Alice. "Everyday Use." In In Love and Trouble: Stories of Black Women. Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1973.