Everyday Use by Alice Walker

Heritage May Differ
In the story “Everyday Use,” Alice Walker reflects on African-American heritage and progression. Placed in the 1960's, the story is told by Mama, a large, poorly educated southern woman. A family reunion of sorts is happening as Dee is returning from school and has been away for some time. Through this reunion, Walker shows how opinions of progression and heritage vary from person to person.
In the first of the story, Maggie is compared to a “lame animal” (841), in the way she carries herself. Walker describes Dee as “lighter then Maggie, with nicer hair and a fuller figure”(841). Maggie carries herself this way due to a fire which burned their house down. Maggie was burned while Dee stood outside and watched. Dee did not mind the house burning, she hated it and what it stood for, which was a simple way of life. “Dee wanted nice things” (841). Walker states “at sixteen she had a style of her own: and knew what style was” (841...