“Everyday Use” is a short story by Alice Walker that explores the conflicting ideas of cultural heritage and family relationships. The story is set in rural Georgia in the 1960s or 1970s and is narrated by Mama, an African-American woman who lives with her younger daughter, Maggie. The story revolves around the arrival of Mama’s eldest daughter, Dee, who has adopted a new cultural identity and is visiting after a long time.
Plot Summary
The story opens with Mama and Maggie waiting in the yard for Dee’s arrival. Mama describes herself as a strong, hardworking woman with “man-working hands.” She has spent her life doing tough physical labor, and she finds comfort in her simple life. She tells us about her daughters: Maggie is shy, insecure, and still affected by the burn scars from a house fire years ago. Dee, on the other hand, is confident, educated, and has always been determined to escape her rural upbringing.
As they wait, Mama daydreams about being on a TV show where Dee is proud of her. She imagines a glamorous and loving reunion that is far from the reality of their strained relationship. Mama recalls how Dee used to be ashamed of her family’s way of life. She also mentions that Dee has changed her name to Wangero Leewanika Kemanjo, rejecting her given name because she believes it reflects the oppression of her heritage.
When Dee arrives, she is dressed in bright African clothing, and she is accompanied by her partner, Hakim-a-barber, who follows Muslim customs. Dee greets her family in a way that feels unfamiliar to Mama and Maggie, using a Muslim greeting. Dee explains her name change, saying she couldn’t bear to be named after people who oppressed her. Mama is confused but tries to respect Dee’s new identity.
Characters and Conflict
The main conflict in the story revolves around how Dee and Mama view their heritage. Dee sees her heritage as something to be displayed and appreciated from a distance. She asks Mama for various family heirlooms, like the butter churn top and a few handmade quilts. She wants these items not for their practical use but as cultural artifacts to decorate her home and showcase her connection to her African roots.
Mama, however, sees these items differently. For her and Maggie, these quilts and everyday objects are part of their daily lives. The quilts are made from scraps of clothing worn by their ancestors, and they hold deep emotional value. Mama values the way these items connect her and Maggie to their loved ones who have passed away. To her, heritage is lived and experienced, not displayed like art on a wall.
The biggest clash comes when Dee demands to take two special quilts that were promised to Maggie. These quilts were sewn by Grandma Dee, and Mama has promised them to Maggie for when she gets married. Dee argues that Maggie would not appreciate them and would use them for “everyday use,” which Dee finds disrespectful. She insists that the quilts should be preserved as symbols of their heritage.
Mama, who has been silent throughout Dee’s visit, finally stands up to her. She realizes that Maggie, despite her quiet nature, understands and respects the true value of these family items. Maggie even says Dee can have the quilts, showing that she is willing to give them up to avoid conflict. However, Mama decides to give the quilts to Maggie, affirming her belief that heritage should be a part of everyday life, not just something to show off.
Dee is upset and accuses Mama and Maggie of not understanding their heritage. She believes they are stuck in their old ways and are unable to see the bigger picture. Dee then leaves, telling Maggie that she should try to make something of herself and that there is a new world out there for people like them. Dee’s final words suggest that she views herself as more enlightened than her family.
Themes and Symbolism
One of the main themes in “Everyday Use” is the different interpretations of cultural heritage. Dee represents a modern, somewhat superficial understanding of heritage, where cultural symbols are to be collected and displayed. She wants to reconnect with her African roots, but she does so in a way that feels disconnected from her real family history. By changing her name and adopting African fashion, she tries to assert her identity, but she fails to recognize the importance of her immediate family’s traditions.
Mama and Maggie, on the other hand, embody a more practical and lived connection to their heritage. They use the quilts in their everyday lives, and for them, heritage is something that is passed down through daily practice and memories. The quilts symbolize the family’s history, hard work, and love. They are meant to be used, even if they eventually wear out. For Mama and Maggie, heritage is about preserving the skills and stories of their ancestors, not just keeping objects untouched.
The quilts themselves are a powerful symbol in the story. They are made from scraps of old clothes, including pieces from Grandma Dee’s dresses and Great Grandpa Ezra’s Civil War uniform. These quilts represent the blending of past and present, and they carry the legacy of the family’s struggles and achievements. Mama’s decision to give them to Maggie emphasizes that heritage is something to be lived, not just displayed.
Another important symbol is the yard, which Mama describes as “an extended living room.” It represents the simplicity and openness of Mama and Maggie’s lives. The yard is a place where Mama feels comfortable and grounded, and it serves as the backdrop for the story’s events. It contrasts with Dee’s desire for a more sophisticated and distant appreciation of her roots.
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