The Quilt in "Everyday Use" by Alice: Symbolism and Significance

Alice Walker's short story "Everyday Use" talks about heritage and these special handmade quilts. They stand for how we connect to where we come from, keeping history alive, and the push and pull between old traditions and moving forward. This essay will dive into what these quilts really mean and their importance in the story. By looking at how the quilts pop up throughout the text, we can get a grip on how they show family dynamics and cultural identity.

Historical Connection Through Quilts

The first time we hear about the quilts in "Everyday Use," it’s all about their historical value. Mama, who tells us the story, says they’re made from pieces of Grandpa Jarrell's Paisley shirts (Walker, 1973). These quilts are like a physical link to their ancestor. It’s pretty neat how they're made from old clothes; it shows how resourceful and creative the women in the family are. They take what's there and make something beautiful out of it.

Preserving Family History

Another big thing about these quilts is how they keep family history alive. Mama talks about having scraps of dresses Grandma Dee wore over fifty years ago sewn into them (Walker, 1973). These bits of fabric turn into memory holders, telling stories from past generations. It’s like oral history you can touch, helping future generations feel connected to their roots. The family's legacy is stitched together through these quilts, creating a sense of belonging.

Tradition vs. Progress

There’s also this big conflict around the quilts that shines a light on tradition versus progress. Dee, Mama's daughter, comes by and wants to take the quilts as decorative stuff. But Mama hesitates because Dee doesn’t really care about their historical value; she just wants to show off her African heritage. Mama's reluctance to give them away shows her resistance to culture becoming just something trendy instead of something meaningful.

Diverging Values of Sisters

The handmade quilts also highlight how different Dee and Maggie are. Dee thinks they’re valuable artifacts worth displaying, while Maggie sees them as useful things for everyday life. This difference makes the quilts a point of contention between them, showing their different takes on heritage. It highlights how complicated cultural identity is and how people might see their roots differently.

Conclusion

In conclusion, those handmade quilts in "Everyday Use" symbolize connection to roots, preserving history, and balancing tradition with moving forward. They’re not just objects but links to the past packed with family memories. The conflict over them mirrors complexities in cultural identity and varying values within a family. Alice Walker uses quilt symbolism to get us thinking about our own connections with heritage and why keeping traditions matters.

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