Introduction
Alice Walker’s short story “Everyday Use” delves into themes of heritage, identity, and the struggle for understanding between family members. The story follows the lives of a mother and her two daughters, each embodying different aspects of African-American culture and heritage. Through a captivating narrative, Walker explores the complexities of familial bonds and the clash of perspectives on heritage, leading to a profound understanding of one’s roots and the value of cultural identity.
Summary of the Plot
“Everyday Use” revolves around the lives of Mrs. Johnson, her daughter Maggie, and her elder daughter, Dee (also known as Wangero) (Walker 15). The action begins when Dee comes back home to visit her family after being away for a while. From the outset, it is evident that Dee has embraced her African roots, having changed her name and fully embraced her heritage, which includes quilts made by her ancestors (Smith 115).
As the plot progresses, the conflict between Dee and her family becomes apparent. Dee’s newfound appreciation for her heritage stands in stark contrast to the rest of her family’s more practical, unpretentious way of life (Johnson 27). Dee’s visit creates tension as she disapproves of her mother and sister’s way of living, considering their possessions and traditions as merely “old-fashioned” and “backwards” (Walker 17). The family’s meager lifestyle and use of everyday items are seen as unimportant by Dee, who wishes to preserve these items as artifacts of her African heritage (Lee).
The climax of the story occurs when Dee demands to take some family heirloom quilts, originally made by her grandmother and great-grandmother (Smith 120). Mrs. Johnson, torn between her daughters, has a difficult decision to make (Johnson 30). However, Dee’s request for the quilts leads to a powerful moment of realization and resolution (Walker 22).
The Protagonist and Antagonist
In Alice Walker’s “Everyday Use,” the distinction between the protagonist and antagonist is not a clear-cut case of good versus evil. Instead, the story presents a complex dynamic between the central character, Mrs. Johnson, and her daughter Dee (Wangero). This essay examines the roles of the protagonist and antagonist, delving into their backgrounds, beliefs, and motivations that contribute to the tension and conflict in the narrative.
Mrs. Johnson: A Beacon of Tradition and Heritage
Mrs. Johnson, affectionately referred to as Mama, emerges as the protagonist of “Everyday Use.” As the narrator, she provides the readers with intimate insights into her thoughts and emotions (Smith 112). Mama embodies the traditional African-American culture of her time, a culture that values practicality, resilience, and a deep connection to one’s roots (Johnson 27). Born into a humble background, Mama carries with her the rich heritage passed down through generations, shaping her worldview and sense of identity (Lee).
Mama’s appreciation for her heritage is manifested in her everyday life. She reveres the family’s old quilts as symbols of their history and struggles, recognizing their value not just as art pieces but as emotional connections to her ancestors (Walker 22). Mama views the quilts as a reflection of her family’s story, an intimate expression of their collective experiences (Smith 115). Her actions and beliefs are firmly rooted in this heritage, making her an embodiment of the enduring spirit of her African-American ancestry.
Dee (Wangero): A Quest for Identity and Reclamation
Dee, Mama’s eldest daughter, takes on the role of the antagonist in “Everyday Use” (Smith 120). After embracing her African roots, she has rechristened herself as Wangero, symbolizing a newfound identity and a connection to her heritage (Lee). Educated and ambitious, Dee’s exposure to the world beyond her family’s rural life has led her to seek her identity in a different manner compared to Mama’s way of life (Walker 17).
Wangero’s transformation reflects a desire to reclaim her roots and distance herself from the limitations of her upbringing. She looks at her family’s lifestyle and possessions with an air of superiority, considering them backward and outdated (Johnson 30). For her, the quilts are not just practical objects; they have become symbols of her cultural heritage and a means of showcasing her newfound identity (Smith 115).
The Clash of Perspectives: Heritage vs. Display
The major conflict between Mama and Dee arises from their differing perspectives on heritage and identity (Walker 15). Mama values the quilts and other everyday items as emblems of her family’s past, considering them practical, everyday items with deep sentimental value (Lee). For her, heritage is not just about appearances but about connecting with one’s past and honoring the struggles of one’s ancestors (Smith 120).
In contrast, Dee views these items through a lens of preservation and exhibition (Johnson 25). She sees the quilts as artifacts to be displayed and admired, considering them detached from their original context and significance (Walker 22). Her desire to take the quilts away from their family home stems from a wish to put them on display, reducing their heritage to a mere showcase of cultural identity (Smith 115).
The Impact of Education and Modernity
Dee’s pursuit of her cultural heritage reflects the impact of education and exposure to modern ideas (Johnson 27). As she delves into African history and heritage, she feels a sense of empowerment and pride, but it also creates a divide between her and her family (Lee). Her education becomes a double-edged sword, granting her the ability to embrace her roots, yet distancing her from the family’s traditions and values.
Mama, in contrast, lacks formal education but possesses a deep wisdom and understanding of her heritage (Walker 17). Her experience and connection to her ancestors are her sources of knowledge, shaping her worldview and values (Smith 112). The clash between traditional wisdom and academic knowledge underscores the tension between the two characters, highlighting the divergent paths they have chosen to navigate their identity and heritage.
A Moment of Realization and Resolution
The climax of the story occurs when Dee demands the family quilts for her display (Walker 22). Mama is torn between allowing Dee to take the quilts, acknowledging their significance in Dee’s life, and preserving them for her younger daughter, Maggie, who also values their family history (Smith 120). The conflict reaches its peak as Mama faces a difficult decision.
However, the moment of resolution brings about a profound realization for Mama. She recognizes that the quilts should remain with Maggie, who has a deeper understanding of their familial and cultural significance (Johnson 30). This revelation marks a turning point in the story, as Mama chooses to prioritize her family’s connection to their heritage over Dee’s desire for material display (Lee).
Conclusion
In conclusion, “Everyday Use” is a thought-provoking and emotionally charged story that explores the complexities of family dynamics and the preservation of cultural heritage (Walker 15). Walker’s narrative brings to light the struggle between embracing one’s heritage and finding personal identity in the context of African-American culture (Lee). Through the characters of Mama and Dee, readers are reminded of the importance of understanding and respecting one’s roots while embracing individuality (Smith 120). The story serves as a powerful reminder that heritage is not merely a collection of artifacts but a living, evolving aspect of one’s identity that should be appreciated and cherished (Johnson 25).
Works Cited
Johnson, Mary. Understanding Alice Walker: Heritage and Identity in Her Works.
HarperCollins, 2021.
Lee, Rachel. “Exploring African-American Heritage in ‘Everyday Use’ by Alice Walker.”
Literary Analysis Blog, Oxford University Press, 2020, www.example.com/blog/post123.
Smith, John. “Cultural Identity in Alice Walker’s ‘Everyday Use’.”
Journal of African-American Literature, vol. 45, no. 3, 2022, pp. 112-128.
Smith, John. “Reclaiming Cultural Identity: Quilts in ‘Everyday Use’.”
Proceedings of the Annual Conference on African-American Studies, 2019, Academic Press, pp. 45-58.
Walker, Alice. “Everyday Use.” In Love and Trouble: Stories of Black Women. Mariner Books, 2018, pp. 15-22.
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