In the story “Everyday Use”, Alice Walker explores the importance of culture and heritage, emphasizing that they should not be seen as mere history but as a living presence from the past. The narrative centers around the conflict between two African American cultures, personified by the two sisters, Dee and Maggie. Mama, their mother, is caught in the middle, torn between her daughters’ contrasting perspectives on life. The story delves into the struggles faced by one daughter, haunted by fear, failure, and weakness throughout her life, while the other sister effortlessly excels and embraces a better lifestyle. Ultimately, the possessions from their shared past will forever alter their future relationships.
“Maggie’s nerves will only calm once her sister leaves; she will feel lost and self-conscious in the corners, feeling ugly and humiliated by the burn scars on her arms and legs, observing her sister with a mix of jealousy and admiration.” (61) She fears appearing weak and incapable of projecting contentment with the life she has chosen. Maggie strives to maintain a quiet and reserved demeanor during her sister’s visit. The contrast between their interpretations of lifestyle is one of simplicity versus extravagance. Unlike most young women, Maggie continues to reside in a world devoid of education, where happiness stems from the heart rather than material possessions.
Dee, also known as Wangero, is a self-centered young woman who manages to visit. Unlike Maggie, she does not embrace her culture or heritage. Despite having overcome poverty and misfortune to become a successful black woman, Dee changes her name in an attempt to distance herself from her past. However, in an effort to salvage her culture and heritage, she tries to take various household items as souvenirs. These items, including the butter churn top, dasher, and quilts, are used regularly but Dee wants them solely for decoration in her own home.
Mama’s refusal to let Dee take the quilts symbolizes her understanding of herself. Mama sees Dee as a figment of her imagination. Mama’s biggest concern is losing her daughter, who has embraced and understood the culture and legacy that has been handed down. “Maggie wouldn’t truly understand the value of these quilts! She might even use them for everyday purposes.” (61)
Maggie has a stronger claim to the quilts because she intends to use them. Letting Dee take them solely for decoration would harm the bond that Maggie and Mama have formed over time. As Mama explains, “They had been pieced by Grandma Dee and then Big Dee and me had hung them on the quilt frames on the front porch and quilted them” (65). These quilts hold significance for Maggie, symbolizing the past, present, and future.
Dee’s fear of losing her culture and heritage drives her to return home. She requests certain possessions as a means to reconnect with a part of her life that she has neglected. Dee rejects the way Mama and Maggie live, urging them to also strive for self-improvement. She states, “You should also try to make something of yourself, Maggie. It’s truly a new era for us. However, seeing the way you and Mama still live, one would never realize it.” (66)
The significance of life should not be seen as a historical event, but rather as a continuous presence from the past. Mama and Maggie persist in using various artifacts from the past to navigate their daily lives. Their lives are modest but fulfilling. It is uncertain whether Dee will ever return home again. The possessions from the past will ultimately alter future relationships.
