Question

Read Alice Walker’s "Everyday Use" and answer the questions below that are geared toward helping you understand her narrative point of view and purpose. Offer specific support from the text. You are encouraged to complete a first draft of the assignment then revise your work.

6. Based on your answers to all of the above, offer your opinion of Mama’s decision to give the quilt to Maggie.

7. How does Walker define heritage?

8. What is Walker’s purpose? What is the central problem she is addressing?

9. What is the theme of “Everyday Use?”

PLEASE TYPE ANSWER

Answer 1

ANSWER 6:

Both Dee and Maggie adore the quilts made by their grandmother, but for different reasons. After getting higher education in college, Dee has become more modernized and sees the quilts as a representation of their cultural heritage. She values the quilts just because it is cool to have a collection of ethnic things by the modern people. But Maggie cherishes the quilts as they are her grandmother's hand-made creation and also practically considers the use of quilts to protect her from cold during winters. Mama understands the true reasons behind the girls' desire for the quilts. Mama also has a soft corner for Maggie, as she is not very bright or beautiful and also had suffered the trauma of getting burned in the house fire. She feels that Dee gets everything she desires and is better-off than Maggie. So, when Dee asks Mama for the quilts, she refuses and says that she had already assured Maggie that she would get the possession of the quilts. One can say that Mama has done the correct thing by deciding to give Maggie the quilts, as Maggie would put them to practical use and also constantly reminisce about her ancestors while touching the quilts.

ANSWER 7:

Alice Walker has defined 'Heritage' according to two different concepts. In the story "Everyday Use" heritage can be attributed to the things, beliefs, convictions, customs and practices handed down by the ancestors, which are practiced by a family. She also defines 'Heritage' as the experiences and lifestyle of the African people in America. According to Mama and Maggie, heritage was represented by the things made by their ancestors, which they used daily and also the fond memories of their ancestors. But, Dee thought that her African-American heritage was best represented by the heirlooms and artifact which could be displayed to receive praise and appreciation from others.

ANSWER 8:

During the 1970's era, most of the African-Americans wanted to establish their African background and discard their American identity. Alice Walker's purpose in writing this story is to convey that the African-Americans should not forsake or ignore their American identity because as they live in America for generations and have adopted it as their own country, they should be respectful and take pride in the American culture as well.

The central problem which Walker is addressing is the different perspectives of understanding one's culture. Some people feel that their culture can be seen in the tangible things and has worth if the things are beautiful and unique which can garner appreciation. But for some people culture becomes their way of life and practicing the ways and using the things which are handed down by their ancestors, not as show pieces but as worthy things which can be put to practical use. The problem is that some people understand their culture only superficially.

ANSWER 9:

The theme of "Everyday Use" is that people see their culture through the current position they are in. They fail to recognize the true meaning of culture. Dee, who has lived in the city and is educated and smart feels that showing loyalty to her African culture can only be through displaying unique things made by her ancestors or changing her American name and adopting an African ethnic name. She feels that her mother and sister are not proud of their culture as they use valuable artifact for their daily use. Dee feels that adopting a African name and discarding the American name of her ancestors would prove how devoted she is to her culture. She accuses her Mama and sister Maggie that they are ignorant of their culture but strangely, Mama and Maggie despite being less-educated and simple, give importance to their culture practically by living it as they cherish their American roots more. While Dee despite being modern, cherishes her African roots just because she wants to appear cool.