Alice Walker's short story "Everyday Use" is a profound exploration of identity, heritage, and family dynamics. The narrative centers around a mother and her two daughters, contrasting their perspectives on cultural heritage and personal identity. The plot intricately weaves themes of tradition, materialism, and self-awareness, making it a compelling read that invites reflection on what it means to connect with one's roots. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the story's plot, highlighting key events, character developments, and underlying themes.
Introduction to the Plot
"Everyday Use" is narrated by a mother who lives in the rural South. The story begins with her anticipation of her two daughters' visit. The mother, who is the story's central figure, reflects on her life, her family, and her relationship with her daughters—Dee (also known as Wangero Leewanika Kemanjo) and Maggie. The narrative is structured around the upcoming reunion and the contrasting attitudes towards heritage exhibited by her daughters.
Setting the Scene
The story opens with the mother describing her humble life and surroundings. She resides in a simple, rural home, emphasizing her connection to her ancestors and traditional ways of living. Her home is a symbol of her roots, and she takes pride in her modest lifestyle. The environment sets the stage for the central conflict: differing views on cultural heritage.
The Arrival of Dee
Dee, the older daughter, arrives unexpectedly, having changed her name to Wangero Leewanika Kemanjo as a statement of her newfound cultural identity. Her appearance signifies her desire to reconnect with her African heritage and reject her rural upbringing. Dee's arrival introduces tension, as her attitude toward her family and heritage is markedly different from her mother's and sister's.
Dee's Transformation and Attitude
Dee's vibrant clothing, bold jewelry, and confident demeanor highlight her embrace of her cultural identity. She views her heritage in a more aesthetic and intellectual way, often emphasizing the importance of artifacts and symbols of African culture. Her attitude suggests a sense of superiority and a desire to reclaim her roots in a way that disconnects her from her immediate family and their everyday life.
The Reconnection with Maggie
Maggie, the younger daughter, is shy, reserved, and physically scarred from a house fire. She embodies the traditional, humble way of life and has a deep, personal connection to her heritage through her everyday routines and family history. Maggie's perspective on her heritage is practical and life-affirming, contrasting sharply with Dee's more superficial approach.
Maggie's Character and Significance
Maggie is depicted as someone who has internalized her cultural identity through daily practices rather than through symbols or academic knowledge. Her connection to her heritage is rooted in her lived experiences, making her the true custodian of her family's traditions.
The Mother’s Perspective and Decision
Throughout the story, the mother observes her daughters and reflects on her feelings. She recognizes Dee's desire to display her heritage as superficial and materialistic. When Dee attempts to take family heirlooms, such as quilts, the mother makes a decisive choice to give the items to Maggie, recognizing her as the rightful keeper of their family's legacy.
The Significance of the Quilts
The quilts serve as a symbol of the family's history, craftsmanship, and cultural continuity. Dee's desire to display the quilts as artifacts of her heritage conflicts with the mother's and Maggie's view of their functional, everyday use. The mother’s decision to give the quilts to Maggie underscores her belief that heritage should be a part of everyday life, not just symbols to be displayed.
The Climax: The Mother's Decision
The story reaches its emotional climax when Dee attempts to take the quilts, intending to hang them as art or display pieces. The mother, in a moment of clarity, refuses to give the quilts to Dee, asserting that Maggie will use them in her daily life. This act signifies a rejection of Dee's superficial understanding of heritage and affirms Maggie's authentic connection to her roots.
Implications of the Mother’s Choice
By choosing Maggie over Dee, the mother affirms her belief that true heritage is lived and practiced daily. The quilts, representing generations of family history and craftsmanship, are meant to be used, not just admired. This decision encapsulates the story’s core message about authenticity, tradition, and the importance of practical engagement with one's cultural identity.
Resolution and Reflection
The story concludes with the mother feeling a sense of relief and pride in her decision. She recognizes Maggie's quiet strength and her genuine connection to their heritage. Dee, on the other hand, leaves disappointed, her superficiality exposed. The narrative closes with the mother and Maggie sharing a moment of understanding and unity, emphasizing the value of authentic tradition over superficial symbols.
Underlying Themes and Messages
The plot of "Everyday Use" is rich with themes that resonate beyond the immediate narrative:
- Heritage as a Living Practice: The story advocates for heritage as a part of daily life, not merely as artifacts or symbols.
- Authenticity vs. Superficiality: Dee's superficial appreciation of her culture contrasts with Maggie's authentic, lived experience.
- Family and Identity: The story explores how family relationships shape personal identity and cultural understanding.
- Materialism and Cultural Pride: Dee's desire to possess family heirlooms as symbols of her cultural pride highlights the tension between materialism and genuine connection.
Conclusion
In "Everyday Use," Alice Walker masterfully portrays the complexities of heritage, identity, and family through a simple yet profound plot. The story challenges readers to consider what it truly means to honor one's roots—whether through material symbols or through the practical, everyday application of traditions. The mother’s decision to give the quilts to Maggie underscores the story's central message: authentic heritage is lived, practiced, and integrated into daily life rather than displayed as mere artifacts. Through this narrative, Walker invites us to reflect on our own connections to our heritage and the ways we choose to preserve and honor our cultural identities.
---
Note: This article provides a detailed overview of the plot of "Everyday Use" by Alice Walker, organized into clear sections for comprehensive understanding.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main theme of 'Everyday Use' by Alice Walker?
The main theme is the contrast between cultural heritage and modernity, highlighting different perspectives on tradition, identity, and the value of everyday practices.
Who are the primary characters in 'Everyday Use' and what do they represent?
The primary characters are Mama, Dee (Wangero), and Maggie. Mama and Maggie represent traditional, humble African American values, while Dee/Wangero embodies a more modern, aesthetic appreciation of heritage.
How does the story depict the relationship between Mama and her daughter Dee?
The story shows a complex relationship where Mama feels pride and conflict—Dee seeks to reconnect with her heritage but also appears to have a superficial understanding of it, leading to tensions in their relationship.
What is the significance of the quilts in the story?
The quilts symbolize family heritage and cultural history. Mama plans to give them to Maggie for everyday use, but Dee wants to display them as artifacts, highlighting differing attitudes toward tradition.
How does Alice Walker use symbolism in 'Everyday Use'?
Walker uses symbols like the quilts and Dee's changing name to explore themes of cultural identity, authenticity, and the meaning of heritage in contemporary life.
What message does Alice Walker convey about cultural identity through the story?
Walker emphasizes that authentic cultural identity is rooted in everyday practices and genuine connection to one's heritage, rather than superficial or aesthetic appreciation.
