Family Past Means a Lot to the Present This essay is on the short story "Everyday Use," by Alice Walker. The assignment was to describe how the quilts are symbolic.

"Everyday Use" Family Past Means a Lot to the Present <Tab/>In "Everyday Use," by Alice Walker we meet two sisters, Dee and Maggie, who are completely different from one another. The story takes place in the South during the 1960's. It was the time of the Black Power Movement, when African Americans were fighting for their rights. Many had to struggle and decide whether they wanted to assimilate and blend …

…conclusion, the quilts in "Everyday Use" tell us the family's story. They represent the family's struggles and triumphs. Maggie rightfully deserved to receive these quilts since she appreciated and recognized their value. I enjoyed reading this story, and I was able to identify with it. I think that everyone can relate to this story in some way since we all struggle to establish our own identity and still manage to hold onto our family's traditions.