Everyday Use by Alice Walker

Alice Walker's Everyday Use presents an interesting comparison on how culture and heritage, represented by the quilt, is viewed particularly among the African-American.

Conflicts between views of culture and heritage is the main theme in Alice Walker`s ”Everyday Use”. In the story, we see two varied notions of how culture and heritage should be observed – simple and practical as exemplified by Mother and Maggie. And, the sophisticated and based on the external as exhibited by Dee.

The Quilt as a Cultural Identity

In the story, that the quilt has become the main metaphor of American cultural identity. Thus, the quilt represents culture and heritage. The characters’ views on the quilt form the basis of their views on culture and heritage. ‘Everyday Use’ may seem like a story of choice of a Mother between values of superficiality or practicality as exemplified by the traits of two daughters Dee and Maggie, respectively.

However, upon closer inspection, you will see that the story is actually an exploration of the idea of heritage applicable to African-Americans. At the start of the story we are introduced to two sisters – Maggie and Dee and their mother.

Despite being sisters, Maggie and Dee’s personalities are as opposite as night and day. Dee is the popular, beautiful one who aspires for higher, sophisticated goals. Maggie, on the other hand, is plain, timid and just content herself with staying at the shadow of her sister and spend her time at home to quilt.

Opposing Views on Heritage

Dee is seen as materialistic, complex, and modern woman. Her idea of culture and heritage as represented by the quilt depends on the "trendy-ness" of the thing. Mother describes Dee as “ used to read to us without pity; forcing words, lies, other folks’ habits, whole lives upon us two, sitting trapped and ignorant under her voice.... pressed us to her with the serious way she read, to shove us away at just the moment, like dimwits we seemed to understand” (409).

Mother, is simple and practical. The quilt represents culture and heritage which she valued more for its functionality and personal sentiments. Maggie, the other daughter, is the exact opposite of Dee. She is appreciative of the family history as demonstrated by her love to quilt.

Culture and heritage do not serve an ulterior motive or another purpose, they are in themselves sufficient reasons for doing so. Dee could not understand why her mother would not give her the quilt and chooses to give it to Maggie instead.

The choice is a validation of Mama’s approval on Maggie’s beliefs and views on heritage and culture. Walker depicted the true essence of culture and heritage which are not to be found in the objects or external appearance but reflected by attitude and lifestyle. We come to understand that for culture and heritage to be significant, they must be utilized in “everyday use” to make the past alive and vital.

Book:

In Love & Trouble: Stories of Black Women by Alice Walker. ISBN # 0-15-644450X. Published by Harvest Books; 5th edition, March 20, 1974.