Everyday Use Analysis

They have both experienced pain and joy throughout their lives, and so have the quilts. Since the quilts embody pieces of Mama's mother's clothing in the patchwork, Maggie understands that the quilts have their family heritage sewn in them. On the other hand, Dee does not fully grasp this. Her understanding of family heritage is not as strong because she has already changed her name from Dee, a family name, to Wagero. She has always thought that she wants "new and nice things."

Who in contrast, has true appreciation for her heritage. Furthermore, Sarnowski acknowledges mother’s disappointment as Maggie gives up the quilts, pointing out that they represent memories of family members. The author believes that displaying these quilts will disintegrate the sense of family history they carry. Consequently,

Because of some statistics about women 's work, Hekker views her work as unique work which needs special care. However, the author mentions that people view her as an outsider, shamed, and out-of-date person because of her occupation. Hekker adds that other newer statistics put her hope down as the number of housewife mother is decreasing. Thus, the author clarifies that she must be treated as an important and unique creature because she is going to be one of the few housewives. Hekker concludes by mentioning that being a housewife is a heroic job if and only if the works that a housewife does is for children, husband, and house of someone else.

Dee believes her family is not intelligent enough to understand their family heritage and thinks she would be better off with the quilts and use them as an art piece. Alice Walker uses symbolism, theme, and metaphors in her story “Everyday Use.” The first pieces of symbolism in the story

This is the beginning of a life without Junie but a new cycle to honor Junie through the quilts. Aunt Ida perfectly expresses her pain when she sees the clothes of her grandson and asks herself what she will do with all the clothes (44). Yet she reassures herself and remembers that she can use Junie clothes to make a quilt. Inclusively, she recalls Junies giggles while she starts to quilt (45). The poem chronically

But to Mama these quilts hold a significance importance and have more practical use to it than giving it to Dee. On the other hand, Maggie and Mama shares the same value and hold the same culture that been passing downed to them by their family. We can see that Mama is closed with Maggie more than Dee, as Dee was away, and Maggie did not changed her name and take on another new culture. Mama and Maggie are now the gatekeeper of the culture that been passed down to her, and she rejected and mad at Dee for her rejection of this

In the story Everyday Use, there is conflict between the two main characters Maggie and Dee. The two sisters are arguing over their Grandma 's quilt. Maggie feels that she deserves the quilt because she will cherish it and make great use out of it, unlike her sister who only wants to frame it in order to remember her heritage. Dee is not used to being told "no" and she has always got everything she has ever asked for, which is why she puts up a fight for the quilt. Dee then goes on to explain to her family on page 172, how she is changing her name to Wangero Leewanika Kemanjo.

Dee is educated, worldly, and deeply determined, not generally allowing her desires to be thwarted. When Mama won't let her have the quilts to display, she becomes furious. She claims that Mama and Maggie don't understand their heritage,but she is the one overlooking the important aspects of her family history. The conflict is in the different points of view regarding the value and importance of objects, preservation of history and everyday use. Mrs Johnson and Maggie have a different

Parenting has been a long practice that desires and demands unconditional sacrifices. Sacrifice is something that makes motherhood worthwhile. The mother-child relationship can be a standout amongst the most convoluted, and fulfilling, of all connections. Women are fuel by self-sacrifice and guilt - but everyone is the better for it. Their youngsters, who feel adored; whatever is left of us, who are saved disagreeable experiences with adolescents raised without affection or warmth; and mothers most importantly.

It represented the past as it was not only hand made but it also contained scraps of dresses that was worn by the grandmother and even great grandmother and a piece of uniform worn by great grandfather who served in the army. The quilt gives a true connection with the past and the heritage. The mother wanted to pass the tradition to her younger daughter by giving the quilt but Dee, her eldest daughter wanted it for herself, but mother did not give it to her.” I promised to give them quilts to Maggie, for when she married John Thomas” (Walker). The story also shows the struggle over tradition as Dee changes the name to Wangero,” I couldn’t bear it any longer, being named after the people who oppress me”