Analysis Everyday Use By Alice Walker

A Deep Dive into Alice Walker's "Everyday Use": An Analysis of Heritage, Identity, and the Power of Storytelling

Alice Walker's "Everyday Use," a poignant short story published in 1973, transcends its seemingly simple narrative of a mother and her two daughters. It's a profound exploration of heritage, identity, and the complex relationship between the past and the present, meticulously woven through the characters' interactions and their contrasting perspectives on family history and cultural legacy. This analysis will delve into the story's intricate layers, examining its themes, symbolism, and the powerful impact of Walker's storytelling techniques.

The Clash of Generations: Dee vs. Maggie

The central conflict of "Everyday Use" hinges on the opposing views of Dee (Wangero), the educated and seemingly sophisticated daughter, and Maggie, the shy and introverted sister who remains grounded in their rural heritage. Dee's embrace of her African-American heritage feels performative, a calculated attempt to reclaim a past she largely ignored during her upbringing. She adopts a new name, rejecting the name given to her by her family, and meticulously chooses to display the family's heirlooms as artifacts, devoid of their lived history and practical significance. This act highlights the superficiality of her newfound interest, suggesting that her connection to her roots is primarily aesthetic rather than genuine.

Dee's appropriation of heritage stands in stark contrast to Maggie's quiet reverence. Maggie's understanding of heritage is deeply rooted in practicality and continuity. She values the family's quilts not as museum pieces but as tangible links to her ancestors and the generations of women who created them, recognizing their inherent value and the labour of love imbued in each stitch. Her quiet acceptance of her life and her place within her family demonstrates a deeper understanding of heritage than Dee's flamboyant displays. This difference reveals the story's powerful critique of cultural appropriation and the importance of authentic engagement with one's past.

Mama: The Silent Narrator, The Heart of the Story

Mama, the story's narrator, acts as the crucial mediating force between Dee and Maggie. She represents a generation that navigated the complexities of racial identity and social change without the same level of overt self-consciousness as Dee. Mama's observations are insightful and subtly reveal her own journey of self-discovery and acceptance. While seemingly simple and uneducated compared to Dee, Mama possesses a deep understanding of her heritage, not through academic study or performative displays, but through lived experience and practical knowledge passed down through generations. Her decision regarding the quilts is not merely a choice of who gets which heirloom; it represents a profound decision about the nature of heritage and its true meaning.

Mama's character is crucial to understanding the story's larger themes. Her pragmatism and her unwavering love for Maggie, despite her quiet demeanor, illustrate the genuine connection to heritage that Dee lacks. Mama's quiet strength and resilience in the face of hardship reveal her deep connection to the land and to her family's history. She values the everyday use of objects, recognizing their inherent worth in their daily utility, unlike Dee, who sees only their symbolic potential, divorced from their lived history. Mama’s perspective offers a counterpoint to Dee’s romanticized view of heritage, grounding the story in a realistic understanding of the past.

Symbolism and its Significance

Walker masterfully employs symbolism throughout the story to enrich its thematic depth. The quilts are perhaps the most potent symbol, representing the cumulative history of the family, the legacy passed down through generations of women. For Maggie, the quilts are more than just fabric; they are tangible connections to her heritage, imbued with the love and labor of her ancestors. They symbolize continuity, family history, and the tangible link between the past and the present. Dee's desire to preserve them as artifacts, on the other hand, represents a detachment from their functional and emotional value, highlighting the superficiality of her cultural reclamation.

The house, similarly, acts as a symbol of enduring strength and resilience. It is not a grand structure, but a humble dwelling, reflecting the family's humble circumstances. However, it is also a symbol of their enduring connection to the land and their shared history. Its imperfections reflect the family's struggles, yet it remains a testament to their enduring strength and their connection to their roots. Dee's rejection of the house and its simplicity underlines her desire for a more polished, idealized version of her heritage, divorced from its humble origins.

The names chosen by the characters also hold significant symbolic meaning. Dee’s adoption of "Wangero" reflects her attempt to reject her past and embrace a more authentically African identity, but it reveals a superficial understanding of her heritage. This act of self-rebranding contrasts sharply with Maggie's acceptance of her given name, demonstrating a deeper understanding of her place within her family and her community.

The Power of Storytelling and Oral Tradition

"Everyday Use" is not merely a story; it is a testament to the power of storytelling and oral tradition. Walker's use of the first-person narrative, through Mama's voice, creates an intimate and personal connection with the reader. Mama's reflections and observations paint a vivid picture of their lives and experiences, revealing the nuances of their relationships and the complexities of their identities. The story's strength lies in its ability to convey profound truths through seemingly simple narratives, showcasing the importance of family history and the power of shared experiences.

Exploring the Themes of Class and Race

Beyond heritage and identity, "Everyday Use" subtly explores the dynamics of class and race within African-American communities. Dee’s desire to escape her rural, working-class background and embrace a more sophisticated, possibly more affluent, identity underscores the social inequalities within the community. Her pursuit of higher education and her adoption of a more "refined" persona highlight the internalized racism and classism that often permeates African-American society. This internal struggle underscores the complexities of racial and class identity and the pressures to conform to societal expectations. In contrast, Maggie's quiet acceptance of her circumstances, despite their limitations, presents a different perspective on the value of community and familial connection.

The story implicitly critiques the often-Eurocentric views on heritage and cultural identity, exposing the dangers of commodifying the past and celebrating it solely for its aesthetic value. Dee’s appropriation of her heritage emphasizes the importance of understanding the context and lived experience behind cultural artifacts. It is not enough to simply admire these objects; it is vital to acknowledge their historical significance and the individuals and communities who created them.

The Enduring Legacy of "Everyday Use"

"Everyday Use" continues to resonate with readers decades after its publication due to its timeless themes and its compelling characters. The story's exploration of heritage, identity, and the complexities of family relationships remains highly relevant in a world increasingly grappling with questions of cultural appropriation, racial identity, and the preservation of cultural heritage. Walker's masterful use of language, symbolism, and character development creates a story that is both deeply personal and universally relatable. It challenges readers to examine their own understanding of heritage and encourages a more profound appreciation for the significance of lived experience and the importance of passing down family history.

The impact of "Everyday Use" extends beyond its literary merits. It has become a cornerstone of African-American literature, contributing to a richer understanding of the complexities of identity and cultural inheritance within the African-American community. It sparks conversations on issues of cultural authenticity, the importance of remembering the past, and the necessity of preserving cultural heritage for future generations. The story's enduring power lies in its ability to elicit empathy, challenge assumptions, and encourage a deeper reflection on the meaning of family, heritage, and the significance of everyday life.

The seemingly simple narrative of "Everyday Use" ultimately reveals a wealth of intricate meanings and layered interpretations. It prompts ongoing discussions on class, race, and the complex relationship between the past and the present. The story’s enduring appeal rests on its ability to touch on universal themes with a uniquely powerful and evocative voice, leaving readers with lingering questions about the true nature of heritage, the importance of connection, and the enduring strength of family bonds. Alice Walker's skillful prose and her keen eye for human interaction create a narrative that transcends its setting and continues to provoke thought and conversation long after the final page is turned.