Everyday Use

<Tab/>The short story "Everyday Use" by Alice Walker illustrates the two different concepts of culture and heritage in the characters of Dee and Maggie. In this story, Dee understands the valued culture and heritage as an artistic appeal. However, Maggie represents a simple, content way of life where culture and heritage are personal significance. <Tab/>In this story, Dee, who renamed herself Wangero Leewanika Kemajo, refuses …

…the idea of heritage from two different types of characters. Dee is misconstructing her heritage as material goods; this may be due in part of leaving her hometown and becoming an educated and sophisticated young woman. Dee also has a lack of respect for their history and tradition by valuing the heritage as a piece of art. However, Maggie possesses real heritage and culture making use of it everyday as a part of her life.