How does Alice Walker use the concept of heritage in Everyday Use
In Alice Walker's short story
"Everyday Use," the concept of heritage plays a central role in
exploring the complexities of African American identity and the
intergenerational struggle to preserve cultural heritage. Through vivid
characters and evocative symbolism, Walker uses the concept of heritage to
explore themes of authenticity, cultural appropriation, family dynamics, and
the intersection of gender and race.
One of the primary ways Walker
explores the concept of heritage is through the contrasting perspectives of the
characters, Mama and her two daughters, Dee and Maggie. Mama represents a
traditional, rural African American woman who values her heritage and identifies
with her African roots. She describes herself as a "large, big-boned woman
with rough, man-working hands" (Walker 73) and takes pride in her ability
to work hard and maintain her home. Mama's understanding of heritage is rooted
in a connection to the land and the family's history, as seen when she
describes their home as "not just a house. It was an old house in a
pasture that was a battlefield in some Civil War. It was a large, airy place
with porches circling it on two levels" (Walker 73). Mama's sense of
heritage is deeply intertwined with her physical surroundings and the history
of her ancestors, and she seeks to pass down this connection to future
generations.
How does Alice Walker use the concept of heritage in Everyday Use:-On the other hand, Dee, Mama's
eldest daughter who has changed her name to Wangero Leewanika Kemanjo,
represents a more modern, urban African American woman who has adopted an
African identity and rejects her rural Southern heritage. Dee is described as
having a lighter complexion and "nice hair," and she embodies a more
cosmopolitan and educated lifestyle, having been away to college and traveled
to Africa. Dee's understanding of heritage is more abstract and disconnected
from the physical world, as she sees it as a collection of objects to be
displayed and admired for their cultural value. She is focused on the idea of
heritage as something exotic and marketable, as she plans to display the
family's quilts as decorations rather than using them for their intended
purpose of warmth and comfort. Dee's understanding of heritage is also linked
to a desire for individuality and self-expression, as she seeks to distance
herself from her rural upbringing and assert her unique identity.
Maggie, Mama's younger daughter,
represents a quieter and more reserved character who has internalized her family's
heritage without the need for external validation. Maggie is described as
having "burn scars down her arms and legs, eye[s] like holes cut in a
doughnut" (Walker 74), and she is portrayed as lacking the confidence and
assertiveness of her sister Dee. However, Maggie possesses a deep understanding
of her family's heritage, as she has learned to quilt from her grandmother and
understands the significance of the family's quilts as objects that represent
their history and traditions. Maggie's understanding of heritage is embodied in
her everyday actions and the love and care she shows towards her family, as
seen when she offers to let Dee have the quilts because she knows that Dee will
not appreciate them in the same way.
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How does Alice Walker use the concept of heritage in Everyday Use:-Through these contrasting
characters, Walker explores the theme of authenticity in relation to heritage.
Mama and Maggie represent an authentic connection to their African American
heritage, as they have lived it and embodied it in their everyday lives. Their
understanding of heritage is not dependent on external validation or marketable
objects, but rather on a deep sense of belonging and connection to their
family's history and traditions. In contrast, Dee's understanding of heritage
is more superficial and performative, as she seeks to adopt an African identity
without fully understanding the complexities and nuances of African American
history and culture.
Everyday
Use “Summary”
"Everyday Use" is a short
story by Alice Walker that explores the concept of heritage through the perspectives
of three characters: Mama, Dee, and Maggie. Mama represents a traditional
African American woman who values her heritage and identifies with her family's
history. Dee, Mama's eldest daughter, is more modern and has adopted an African
identity, rejecting her rural Southern heritage. Maggie, Mama's younger
daughter, embodies a deep understanding of her family's heritage through her
actions and love for her family.
How does Alice Walker use the concept of heritage in Everyday Use:-The story is narrated by Mama, who
describes herself as a large, rough woman with a connection to the land and her
family's history. Mama's understanding of heritage is rooted in her physical
surroundings and the stories passed down through generations. She takes pride
in her ability to work hard and maintain her home, which has historical
significance as a battlefield in the Civil War.
Dee, on the other hand, has changed
her name to Wangero Leewanika Kemanjo and represents a more cosmopolitan and
educated lifestyle. She has been to college and traveled to Africa, adopting an
African identity and rejecting her rural Southern roots. Dee's understanding of
heritage is more abstract and focused on the exotic and marketable aspects of
African culture. She plans to display the family's quilts as decorations,
valuing them for their cultural value rather than their intended use.
Maggie, Mama's younger daughter, is
portrayed as shy and reserved, with burn scars on her arms and legs. Despite
lacking confidence, Maggie possesses a deep understanding of her family's
heritage. She has learned to quilt from her grandmother and understands the
significance of the family's quilts as objects that represent their history and
traditions. Maggie's understanding of heritage is embodied in her everyday
actions and the love she shows towards her family.
How does Alice Walker use the concept of heritage in Everyday Use:-The story reaches its climax when
Dee visits Mama and Maggie after a long absence. Dee is accompanied by a male
companion who takes photos of Mama and Maggie, as well as the house and other
objects, as if they are exotic artifacts. Dee also expresses her desire to have
the family's quilts, which Mama had promised to Maggie. Mama hesitates, knowing
that Maggie values the quilts deeply, but eventually gives in to Dee's demands.
As Dee prepares to leave with the
quilts, Mama realizes that Maggie understands their heritage more authentically
than Dee. Mama recalls the stories behind the quilts, including patches of
cloth from her grandmother's wedding dress and her grandfather's Civil War
uniform. She sees Maggie as the one who will appreciate and preserve their
family's heritage with reverence and respect.
In the end, Mama snatches the
quilts from Dee and gives them to Maggie, who is overcome with emotion. Dee is
shocked and angry, unable to understand why Mama would give the quilts to
Maggie. Mama confronts Dee, expressing her disappointment in Dee's superficial
understanding of heritage and her lack of appreciation for the family's history
and traditions. Dee leaves in a huff, and Mama and Maggie are left to cherish
their heritage together.
How does Alice Walker use the concept of heritage in Everyday Use:-In "Everyday Use," Walker
uses the concept of heritage to explore several themes. One prominent theme is
the idea of authenticity in relation to heritage. Mama and Maggie represent an
authentic connection to their African American heritage, valuing the family's
history and traditions through their actions and love for each other. Dee, on
the other hand, represents a superficial and performative understanding of
heritage, valuing cultural objects for their marketable value rather than their
intrinsic significance.
Another theme explored in the story
is the complexity of family dynamics. Mama's relationship with Dee is strained,
as Dee's rejection of her rural Southern roots creates a divide between her and
Mama. Mama struggles with the desire to please Dee while also recognizing
Maggie's deeper understanding and appreciation of their heritage.
FAQ.
Q: What is the main theme of "Everyday Use"?
A: The main theme of "Everyday
Use" is the concept of heritage and how it is understood and valued by
different individuals. It explores the authenticity of heritage, the importance
of family traditions, and the complexities of family dynamics.
Q: Who are the main characters in "Everyday Use"?
A: The main characters in
"Everyday Use" are Mama (the narrator), Dee, and Maggie. Mama represents
a traditional African American woman, while Dee is her eldest daughter who has
adopted an African identity. Maggie is Mama's younger daughter, who embodies a
deep understanding of her family's heritage.
Q: What is Mama's understanding of heritage in "Everyday
Use"?
A: Mama's understanding of heritage
in "Everyday Use" is rooted in her physical surroundings and the
stories passed down through generations. She values her family's history and
traditions, takes pride in her ability to work hard and maintain her home, and
appreciates everyday objects that hold sentimental value.
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