English "everyday Use" Response

It must feel pretty disheartening to know that your daughter only cares about the materialistic values of your heritage. In the short story, “Everyday Use” by Alice Walker, Dee comes home to visit her family. It is revealed that Dee or Wongero, is more interested in the materialistic and culturalistic aspects of her heritage. However, Mama is more interested in Everyday use. Dee’s view of the quilts in the story reveals that Dee is a more self-centered, stubborn and materialistic. Mama’s view reveals that she values family more, unlike Dee.

In the story, Dee has come home and is beginning to take things she wants for decoration. For example, when Mama said, “Dee wanted nice things.” (Walker 78) Dee values decoration and nice things as more important than her heritage. This is revealed when she attempts to take things because they look nice not because of the family history. In addition when Dee is taking pictures, “She never takes a shot without making sure the house is included.” (Walker 80) Dee is taking pictures to show her eccentric friends where she came from. This is Dee’s superficial interest for her family heritage. Furthermore, Mama says about Dee, “No doubt when Dee sees it, she will want to tear it down.” (Walker 79) This showing that Dee will not be pleased with how Mama’s house looks aesthetically. Thus revealing Dee’s values beauty and not “everyday use”. The views Dee expresses about the family heirlooms reveals her values and identify.

Mama’s reaction to Dee and views of the heirlooms reveals her values and identity. For example when Mama says “I promised to give the quilts to Maggie.” (Walker 82) This shows a value in Mama in which she keeps her word. She promised them to Maggie so she will give them to Maggie. In addition, Mama snatches the quilts, “dumped them into Maggie’s lap.” (Walker 82) This reveals Mama’s identity. She believes strongly in