The significance of a quilt extends beyond a mere object; it represents the legacy of multiple generations within a family. Moreover, a quilt can become a mesmerizing work of art adorning the entrance hall of one’s home, delicately suspended on the wall through an artistic frame. Additionally, a quilt serves the practical purpose of providing warmth during chilly nights. Alice Walker, having experienced the Civil Rights movement firsthand during her early twenties, possesses a profound understanding of the true essence of heritage. In the late 1960s, she embarked on her writing journey, sharing fictional tales and poetry. In her story “Everyday Use,” Walker skillfully employs conflicting symbols, a maternal perspective, and a southern backdrop to convey the contrasting interpretations of cherishing heritage and maintaining traditions.
The theme of Walker’s story revolves around symbols with different meanings for different characters. This is seen in the conflict between tangible objects and their roles in culture and heritage, which appears multiple times throughout the story. Mama Johnson sees Dee’s original name as a symbol of family unity (Ross 3). Furthermore, she traces the name Dee back through generations beyond the Civil War (Walker 611). Mama treasures the name Dee because it has been passed down through generations and belongs to beloved individuals (Ross 3). In contrast, Dee views her name as a burden and a reminder of the hardships her ancestors endured, which she herself will not experience. This is evident when she expresses her frustration with her mother’s reaction to her name change, stating, “I couldn’t bear it any longer, being named after the people who oppress me” (Walker 611). While Mama sees the name as a symbol of family unity, Dee perceives it as a connection to a past that she does not identify with.
The quilts serve as functional scrapbooks for the Johnson family. They contain pieces of Grandma’s dresses (Walker 612) as well as a scrap from Great Grandpa Ezra’s Civil War uniform (Ross 4). Dee wishes to display the quilts, using them as a means to showcase her sophistication and success (Cowart 4). However, Aunt Dicie designates the quilts to Maggie, which displeases Dee. Dee believes that Maggie will simply use them in everyday life (Walker 612). Maggie, on the other hand, knows how to create the quilts and understands that using and recreating the objects and techniques of their ancestors is the true meaning of heritage and tradition for her and Mama. In contrast, for Dee, heritage encompasses everything that has occurred in the past, and she desires to preserve it on a wall for all to see (Walker 612).
Throughout the story, Mama’s point of view is characterized by her simple and loyal feelings towards her heritage and cultural background. She takes great pride in who she is, describing herself as a large, big-boned woman with rough, man-working hands and acknowledging that she never had an education (Walker 609). Mama is not afraid to embrace her identity, which extends to her appreciation for her cultural heritage. She emphasizes that she can trace her family name back past the Civil War, revealing her genuine concern for her family’s history (Walker 609). The presence of handmade objects in the house further demonstrates the importance of family connections and everyday traditions (Walker 612). In contrast, Dee’s youth and arrogance result in a disconnect from her own roots and a superficial connection to the outside world. At the end of the story, Mama and Maggie showcase their genuine appreciation for family time by sitting outside, dipping snuff, and enjoying the remainder of the evening (Walker 612). Mama’s perspective on heritage provides a more realistic and authentic approach.
The old, tin-roofed house in late 1960s Georgia depicts conflicting views on heritage and family value. Despite not being considered a nice house, the yard is well maintained and serves as an extended living room (Walker 608). According to Dave Cowart, the yard symbolizes the cultural something created by those who lacked everything (Cowart 4). This portrayal accurately represents the appearance of the South. The love for homes and family is evident even in difficult situations. The hard clay, swept clean like a floor, highlights the absence of breezes inside the house (Walker 608). Mama values everything her ancestors created, utilizing items like the butter churn, dasher, and quilts. Maggie carries on the traditions of southern heritage by making new quilts from dresses worn by future family members.
In Everyday Use, the theme of contradicting views on heritage is conveyed through various symbolic meanings, a proud point-of-view, and the rural Georgia setting. Although the quilts and names passed down through generations may appear insignificant at first glance, they hold immense meaning. Mama Johnson, the proud and loyal matriarch, ensures that the spirit of family and cultural heritage remains alive. Set in mid-60s rural Georgia, the story depicts a daughter’s desire for new experiences conflicting with her mother’s attempts to preserve traditional family values. This theme is skillfully presented, inviting discussions about the significance of heritage in individual lives.
