An Analysis of “Everyday Use”
In “Everyday Use,” Alice Walker uses a variety of literary elements to help create the theme of the story. Heritage is valued objects and qualities such as cultural traditions, that have been passed down from previous generations. Walker uses word choice, conflict, plot, and cultural heritage to cause the reader to question how important the role of heritage is.
In this story, Walker uses word choice from the beginning of the story. She uses phrases such as “so clean and wavy,” and “She never takes a shot without making sure the house is included” (l1-131). Also, the fragments and the figurative language the author uses also helps convey a clear message about their historical culture. These elements help create
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The conflicts include the family house, Dee’s name, and the two quilts. For example in the beginning of the story, the mother sees the home as part of her heritage, but Dee only views it as a background for a picture. In rejecting her given name, Dee shows she does not really understand the meaning of heritage and how important it really is. Towards the end of the story, there is also a family conflict over the quilts which cause tension between Dee, her mother, and sister, …show more content…
The mother, Maggie, and Dee all have different views on their meaning of heritage. Dee seems more interested in material things, rather than having a true appreciation of her heritage and the value of the quilts. Maggie wants the quilts for sentimental value and as a representation of who she is and her past. She realizes the true value of the quilts, unlike Dee. In the story, Maggie states, “She can have them Mama, I can ‘member Grandma Dee without the quilts” (l77), meaning she understands her heritage and the value of the