IntroductionAlice Walker's short story "Everyday Use" is a poignant exploration of cultural heritage and personal identity. Written in 1973, the story delves into the lives of an African-American family in the rural South, focusing on the conflicting perspectives of two sisters, Dee and Maggie, and their mother, called Mama. Through the narrative, Walker examines the diverse ways in which heritage can be valued and preserved, as well as the complexities of personal identity in the context of cultural change. This essay will analyze the thematic elements of heritage and identity in “Everyday Use,” exploring how Walker uses character development and symbolism to convey his message. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get the original essayBody ParagraphThe concept of heritage is at the heart of “Everyday Use,” and Walker uses the contrasting attitudes of Dee and Maggie to highlight clearly different approaches to culture. preservation. Dee, who changed her name to Wangero Leewanika Kemanjo, represents a modern, more superficial understanding of heritage. She is educated, confident and assertive, but her approach to her family's legacy is marked by a desire to distance herself from her immediate past. Dee's new name and her attempt to claim family heirlooms, such as hand-stitched quilts, signify her wish to connect to a broader African heritage while rejecting her direct lineage. Her interest in quilts is not rooted in their sentimental value or history of practical use, but rather in their aesthetic and symbolic significance as cultural artifacts. In contrast, Maggie embodies a more authentic and lived experience of heritage. Scarred by a house fire and shy, Maggie lacks Dee's outward confidence, but possesses a deep, intrinsic connection to her family's traditions. Unlike Dee, Maggie understands the practical and personal history rooted in family heritage. Her knowledge of the origins of quilts, having learned to sew from her grandmother, highlights her role as guardian of the family heritage. Maggie's acceptance of her heritage is not performative but an integral part of her daily life, reflecting a continuity that Dee's approach lacks. Mama serves as an anchor for the narrative, providing insight into the divergent paths her daughters take. His perspective is grounded in practicality and an understanding of heritage that encompasses both the past and the present. Mom's decision to give the quilts to Maggie instead of Dee is a pivotal moment in the story, symbolizing her recognition of Maggie's true appreciation for their heritage. This act also highlights Mom's disapproval of Dee's superficial engagement with her heritage. Through Mama's eyes, Walker critiques the commodification of culture and highlights the importance of authentic, lived experiences in preserving heritage. The quilts themselves are a powerful symbol in history, representing the intersection of past, present and future. They are made from scraps of clothing worn by ancestors, each piece carrying its own history and memories. The practical use of the quilts in everyday life contrasts with Dee's intention to display them as simple art objects. This juxtaposition illustrates Walker's comment on the true essence of heritage: it is not something that can be hung on the wall and admired from afar, but something one engages with..