Everyday use
Book • 1994
'Everyday Use' is a short story that explores themes of heritage, identity, and the differing views within a family on how to honor their past.
The story centers on a mother and her two daughters, Dee (Wangero) and Maggie, as they clash over the significance of family heirlooms, particularly quilts.
Dee, who has embraced a new, idealized vision of her African heritage, wants to take the quilts as artifacts to be displayed.
Maggie, who has a deeper connection to the family's history, sees them as functional objects that represent a living tradition.
Walker's narrative delves into the complexities of cultural identity and the importance of understanding and respecting one's roots.
The story centers on a mother and her two daughters, Dee (Wangero) and Maggie, as they clash over the significance of family heirlooms, particularly quilts.
Dee, who has embraced a new, idealized vision of her African heritage, wants to take the quilts as artifacts to be displayed.
Maggie, who has a deeper connection to the family's history, sees them as functional objects that represent a living tradition.
Walker's narrative delves into the complexities of cultural identity and the importance of understanding and respecting one's roots.
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Dan Koch
When Fiction Reveals a Deeper Truth (#358)
