What Is The Theme Of Everyday Use

What is the Theme of Everyday Use? Exploring Heritage, Identity, and the Power of Legacy in Alice Walker's Short Story

Alice Walker's "Everyday Use" is a deceptively simple short story that resonates with readers on multiple levels. While seemingly a tale about a visit from a daughter, Dee, to her mother and younger sister, Maggie, it delves into profound themes of heritage, identity, and the complex relationship between the past and the present. The story's power lies not in grand pronouncements, but in the subtle nuances of character interaction and the evocative descriptions of everyday life. Understanding the core themes requires a careful examination of the characters, their motivations, and the symbolic objects that weave throughout the narrative.

The Central Theme: Heritage and its Interpretation

Perhaps the most significant theme is the divergent interpretations of heritage and cultural identity. Dee, the educated and sophisticated daughter, views her heritage as a collection of artifacts – quilts, butter churn, and family photos – to be displayed as symbols of a romanticized past. She has embraced a new identity, embracing her African heritage with a newly adopted name, Wangero Leewanika Kemanjo, and appropriating traditional clothing and cultural symbols. This appropriation, however, feels superficial and detached from the lived experience of her heritage. For Dee, heritage is a stylish accessory, a means of expressing a fashionable identity rather than a deep-rooted connection to her family history.

Dee's Superficial Embrace of Heritage:

Dee's actions highlight the dangers of cultural appropriation. She doesn't seem genuinely interested in understanding the history and significance of the objects; she simply wants to possess them as aesthetic objects, devoid of their actual meaning and emotional weight. This is evident in her desire for the quilts, which she sees as "priceless antiques," rather than the cherished, handmade items they are to her mother and Maggie. Her claim that she will “hang them on the wall” underscores her lack of understanding – the quilts are not static objects but representations of family history, woven with love and hard work over generations. Her desire to keep them pristine and untouched shows a disconnect from their function and the lives they represent.

Mama and Maggie's Authentic Connection to Heritage:

In contrast, Mama and Maggie embody a more authentic connection to their heritage. They understand that their heritage isn't merely a set of objects but a lived experience passed down through generations of hardship and resilience. The quilts, for Mama and Maggie, represent the legacy of their family's strength and perseverance, embodying the hard work and love invested by their ancestors. The act of using the quilts, of wearing them out, is an integral part of their value and demonstrates a deep respect and understanding of the stories they contain. For them, these are not museum pieces but tangible links to their past, actively shaping their present.

Identity and Self-Discovery: Finding Meaning in the Ordinary

The story explores the multifaceted nature of identity and the process of self-discovery. Each character grapples with defining who they are and their place within their family and society. Dee seeks to create an identity through external markers, embracing a new name and adopting the aesthetics of her cultural heritage. However, this external display ultimately reveals a lack of genuine self-understanding.

Dee's Search for Identity Through External Markers:

Dee's rejection of her given name and her adoption of a new one illustrates a desire to distance herself from her past and create a new persona. The name "Wangero Leewanika Kemanjo" represents a rejection of her rural upbringing and an attempt to align herself with a more idealized, romanticized version of African heritage. This act highlights the complexities of identity formation, specifically the potential for self-invention and the attempt to redefine oneself through the adoption of new cultural symbols.

Mama's Grounded Identity and Acceptance of Self:

Mama, on the other hand, represents a more grounded sense of identity. She finds meaning not in grand gestures or external displays but in the everyday realities of her life. Her identity is shaped by her work, her family, and her connection to the land. She doesn't seek to reinvent herself; she accepts who she is, with her flaws and strengths, and finds contentment in her simple life. This contentment, deeply rooted in her heritage and family, provides a powerful contrast to Dee's superficial quest for identity.

Maggie's Quiet Strength and Inner Resilience:

Maggie, the quieter and more reserved daughter, represents a different aspect of identity formation. She is deeply connected to her heritage and family but lacks Dee's confidence and outward display of self-assertion. Her identity is more subtly defined by her quiet strength, resilience in the face of adversity, and unwavering connection to her family and home. Her acceptance of her scars, both physical and emotional, underscores a different kind of self-acceptance and a quiet dignity that contrasts with Dee's outward show.

The Power of Legacy: Passing Down Traditions and Values

The story also explores the complexities of legacy – the transmission of values, traditions, and cultural heritage from one generation to the next. The quilts become a powerful symbol of this legacy, representing the continuity of family history and the importance of passing down cherished traditions. The way each daughter responds to the quilts reveals their contrasting understanding of legacy and their connection to the past.

The Quilts as Symbols of Family History and Continuity:

The quilts are not merely objects; they are living embodiments of the family's history, each stitch representing a story, a memory, a piece of the family's legacy. The intricate patterns and the careful stitching reflect the hard work and dedication of previous generations, embodying the love and care invested in creating these family heirlooms.

Dee's Misunderstanding of Legacy: A Static, Displayable Past:

Dee's desire to possess the quilts as static, museum-like objects reveals her misunderstanding of the living legacy they represent. She fails to grasp the significance of the quilts as ongoing traditions and active parts of family history. She seeks to preserve them in a static form, preventing their active use and ultimately removing them from the fabric of her family’s life.

Mama and Maggie's Understanding of Legacy: A Living, Active Past:

Mama and Maggie, in contrast, understand that legacy is not about preserving objects in isolation but about actively engaging with the traditions and values they represent. Mama's decision to give the quilts to Maggie, rather than Dee, demonstrates her understanding of the true essence of legacy – the continuation of family traditions and the passing down of essential family values. This choice emphasizes the importance of active participation and engagement with one’s heritage, rather than simply possessing and displaying symbols.

The Importance of Place: Home as a Foundation for Identity

The setting of the story – Mama's rural home – also plays a significant role in shaping the themes. The home, with its modest surroundings and simple comforts, represents a sense of grounding and stability, a contrast to Dee's urban sophistication. The significance of the home as a place of roots and belonging is deeply intertwined with the characters’ identities and their connection to their heritage.

The Rural Home as a Symbol of Stability and Rootedness:

The rural setting emphasizes the importance of place in shaping identity. Mama and Maggie find security and contentment in their humble surroundings, a stark contrast to Dee's desire for a more polished, urban existence. The home is not simply a building; it's a repository of family memories, experiences, and traditions.

Dee's Rejection of the Rural Home and its Implications:

Dee's rejection of her rural home speaks volumes about her desire to create a new identity, dissociating herself from her humble beginnings and seeking a more sophisticated image. This rejection, however, demonstrates a lack of understanding of the deep-rooted connection between place, identity, and heritage.

Conclusion: A Lasting Resonance

Alice Walker's "Everyday Use" is a timeless story that continues to resonate with readers due to its exploration of universal themes. The story's enduring power lies in its subtle yet profound examination of heritage, identity, and legacy. The characters, their conflicts, and their contrasting interpretations of cultural artifacts provide a rich tapestry of human experience, prompting readers to reflect on their own relationships with their past, present, and future. The story's enduring message is a powerful reminder of the importance of understanding and appreciating the true meaning of heritage – not as a collection of static objects, but as a living legacy that shapes our identities and connects us to the generations that came before us. By understanding these complex themes, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the enduring power and relevance of Walker's masterful short story.