Heritage and Symbolism in Alice Walker's Everyday Use

"Everyday Use" by Alice Walker creates a conflict between characters. When Dee (Wangero) comes home to visit Mama and Maggie, right away the readers see the differences. Dee has changed her name to an "African" name and is collecting the objects of her past. She is more educated and very much looks down on the simplicity of her mother and sister. When Dee asks for a beautiful family heirloom quilt to hang on her wall, Mama finally denies her something. Instead, Mama will give Maggie the quilt to keep her and her husband warm. The theme of the importance of heritage becomes clear. This theme is shown by Walker's use of conflict, irony, and symbol.

The chief conflict is between Mama, Maggie and Dee. Dee arrives home to photograph her dirt-poor beginnings never stopping to think how Maggie and Mama feel. The butter churn to Dee is an object of art; to Mama it is a way to live and make butter. Dee has always been pampered and spoiled by her Mama, who has been afraid to stand up to her. She does not understand how her mother and Maggie can continue to live in such a backwards way. By giving the quilt to Maggie, Mama shows that she understands the importance of heritage. To appreciate and use objects passed on in families is completely different than to hang them on display while they are popular and worth money, then throw them away. Dee has become educated and much too sophisticated for her humble beginnings.