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Essay / The Values of Culture and Heritage in Everyday Use by Alice Walker
Siblings tend to be similar in many ways, and yet the story “Everyday Use” by Alice Walker depicts two sisters who couldn't be more diverse. Walker demonstrates the value of our current life in relation to the traditions of our people, our culture and our environment. Using descriptions and conscious attitudes, Walker shows what reasons contribute to the values of a person's culture and heritage; it illustrates that these are not represented by the ownership of objects or simple artifacts, but by a person's conduct and lifestyle. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay Throughout the story, Walker personifies the different facets of culture and heritage within the characters, Dee, Maggie, and the mother, Mama. Dee can be seen as representing a materialistic, complex and fashionable lifestyle, as culture and heritage are only valued for their 'fashionability' and aesthetic appeal. Mother and Maggie, on the other hand, represent a simple lifestyle where culture and heritage are valued for their everyday use and personal value. Dee's character grew up resenting her poor upbringing from the start. Readers quickly learn that she despised the house they lived in during her childhood. When it was destroyed in a fire, his mother, Mama, wanted to ask him: "Why don't you do a dance around the ashes?" ", expressing Dee's brutal dislike of the house almost as if Dee is happy to see her house burn. down. Later in the story, when Dee is older, she sends a letter to Mom and informs her that she would visit their house, "but will never bring her friends." Dee doesn't want her friends to learn about the environment she grew up in, its history and traditions. She is more embarrassed than grateful for what she considers a simple life. Even though she strives to embrace African culture, she still refuses to accept her heritage. On the other hand, the youngest daughter, Maggie, is portrayed as a more humble and loyal child, deeply in tune with her heritage. On a personal note, Maggie's personality is not like her older sister's strong-willed personality, but she is very proud of her family's history and the path her life is moving toward. Maggie is accustomed to the strong bonds with her family and all the history that surrounds her every day, whether outside or inside, which makes it not a priority to save the quilts which were transmitted to him. Maggie does not consider items of personal value to remember her past. Mom knew it wholeheartedly, “it was Grandma Dere and Big Dee who taught her how to quilt,” and that’s something that can’t be taken away from her, she can keep that skill for the rest of her life. life. Maggie's character will come from the past, which includes all the unfortunate events for future generations. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a personalized article from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Finally, towards the end of the story, the upset Dee has to leave the house with nothing, this is a new feeling because she always got what she wanted. This leads him to mention, “It really is a new day for us. But the way you and Mom always live, you'll never know," trying to make Maggie and Mom feel inferior to her, almost like they really have no understanding of their culture and heritage. . However,.