Everyday Use By Alice Walker Characterization

Everyday Use by Alice Walker: A Deep Dive into Characterization

Alice Walker's "Everyday Use," a deceptively simple short story, is a masterclass in characterization. Through subtle details, contrasting actions, and insightful dialogue, Walker paints vivid portraits of three women – Mama, Dee (Wangero), and Maggie – each grappling with their heritage, identity, and the complexities of family relationships. This exploration delves into the intricate characterizations, revealing how Walker utilizes various literary techniques to create compelling and relatable figures who resonate long after the story concludes.

Mama: The Unassuming Anchor of the Family

Mama, the story's narrator, is the bedrock of the family. She's a woman shaped by years of hard labor and quiet resilience. Her characterization is initially presented through a seemingly straightforward, almost mundane description: a woman of simple pleasures, finding contentment in her daily routines. However, this apparent simplicity masks a depth of character and a quiet strength that becomes increasingly apparent throughout the narrative.

A Practicality Rooted in Experience:

Mama's character is firmly grounded in her lived experience. Her understanding of the world is shaped by her physical environment – the rural South – and her life's work. Unlike her daughter Dee, who romanticizes the past, Mama's relationship with her heritage is more visceral, rooted in the tangible objects and daily struggles of her life. The quilts, for example, represent more than mere heirlooms; they are tangible symbols of her labor, resilience, and family history. This understanding of her heritage is far removed from Dee's superficial appreciation.

A Quiet Strength and Unwavering Love:

Walker masterfully portrays Mama's quiet strength through her actions and internal monologue. While she may not be overtly assertive, her unwavering love for her daughters, particularly Maggie, and her clear-headed decision-making during the climax reveal a powerful woman comfortable in her own skin. Her internal reflections offer glimpses into her thoughtful nature and her capacity for empathy, even when faced with Dee's condescending attitude. She doesn't engage in heated arguments, preferring instead to observe and then act based on her understanding of her daughters' needs and personalities.

The Evolution of Understanding:

Mama's character evolves throughout the story. Initially, she seems somewhat ambivalent about Dee's return, even harboring a sense of resentment towards her daughter's past neglect. However, as the story progresses, Mama's understanding of her daughters deepens. She begins to see Dee's appropriation of her heritage not as a genuine appreciation, but rather as a performative act. This realization empowers her to make the difficult, yet ultimately loving decision to give the quilts to Maggie, recognizing Maggie's true connection to family history and tradition.

Dee (Wangero): The Ambitious and Alienated Daughter

Dee, who later changes her name to Wangero Leewanika Kemanjo, stands in stark contrast to her mother. She is presented as a highly ambitious and educated woman, deeply enamored with the aesthetics of her African-American heritage. However, her approach to her roots is distinctly superficial, a fact that Walker underscores throughout the narrative.

A Performative Embrace of Heritage:

Dee’s characterization is primarily built upon her performative embrace of her heritage. Her adoption of a new name, her interest in African artifacts, and her desire to “save” the family heirlooms are all presented as superficial gestures rather than genuine expressions of cultural identity. Walker uses this to illustrate the dangers of romanticizing the past without understanding its true context and significance. Her obsession with these objects transforms them into mere symbols of an idealized past, stripped of their functional purpose and historical significance.

The Contrast of Appearance and Reality:

Walker skillfully uses contrast to reveal the shallowness of Dee’s character. Her meticulous appearance—her fashionable clothes and carefully styled hair—contrasts sharply with Mama's unassuming attire. This visual difference underscores the divergence between their approaches to their heritage. Dee's outward display of cultural pride is superficial, unlike Mama's deeper, more meaningful connection to her roots. This contrast highlights the difference between a genuine connection to one's heritage and a performative display of cultural appropriation.

The Rejection of Practicality:

Dee's rejection of the practical aspects of her heritage further reinforces her superficial engagement with her culture. She sees the quilts not as functional household items representing years of family labor and tradition but as mere “artifacts” to be preserved as museum pieces. This disconnection from the everyday realities of her heritage underscores her alienation from her own family history and its lived experiences.

Maggie: The Quiet and Unsung Heroine

Maggie, Dee's younger sister, is the quiet, unassuming daughter who embodies the strength and resilience of her mother. Unlike her sister, Maggie's connection to her heritage is deeply ingrained, stemming from her everyday experiences and her intimate understanding of family traditions.

A Quiet Strength and Humility:

Maggie's character is defined by her quiet strength and humility. She is scarred, both physically and emotionally, reflecting the hardships she has endured. However, unlike Dee, she embraces her heritage not as a display but as an integral part of her identity. Her appreciation for the quilts is not an intellectual or aesthetic one; it is grounded in the practical realities of their use and their representation of family history.

The True Heir of Family Tradition:

Walker clearly positions Maggie as the true heir of family tradition. Her understanding of the quilts’ significance transcends mere aesthetics. She recognizes their value in their practical use and their representation of family legacy and continuity. This is in stark contrast to Dee’s purely aesthetic and ultimately exploitative approach.

A Symbol of Resilience:

Maggie’s character also serves as a symbol of resilience. Despite her scars—both physical and emotional—she continues to live a simple life, deeply connected to her family and heritage. Her quiet strength contrasts sharply with Dee's flamboyant but ultimately superficial display of cultural awareness, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and genuine connection.

The Power of Contrast and Dialogue

Walker masterfully employs contrast and dialogue to enhance the characterization of her protagonists. The stark differences between Mama and Dee, and Dee and Maggie, create a dynamic tension that drives the narrative forward. The dialogue, particularly the exchange between Mama and Dee regarding the quilts, is crucial in revealing the divergent perspectives and underlying conflicts concerning their heritage. Walker’s use of dialect adds another layer of complexity, highlighting the social and cultural context of the characters' lives.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Understanding

"Everyday Use" is a powerful exploration of family dynamics, cultural identity, and the complexities of heritage. Walker's characterization of Mama, Dee, and Maggie is a testament to her skill as a writer. Through her nuanced portrayal of these three women, she illuminates the importance of understanding one's heritage not merely as an aesthetic display but as a meaningful connection to one's past, present, and future. The story’s enduring power lies in its ability to resonate with readers on a deeply personal level, prompting introspection on the nature of family, heritage, and the true meaning of legacy. The lasting impact of "Everyday Use" is a result of Walker's masterful characterization, creating characters that feel both timeless and intimately relatable. Their struggles and triumphs serve as a reminder of the enduring complexities of family and the search for identity in a changing world. The story remains a poignant exploration of the human condition, prompting readers to reflect on their own relationships with family, heritage, and the true meaning of home. The characters’ motivations, flaws, and ultimate choices offer profound insights into the human experience, making "Everyday Use" a timeless piece of literature.