Theme of Heritage in Alice Walker
Dee left home some time ago, and has not been seen by Mama or Maggie in quite awhile. Mama waits patiently in the yard for what seems to be a much-anticipated reunion with her daughter. Maggie however, does not seem to feel the same way as her mother. Dee always feels that she is better than Mama and Maggie. Maybe because of her schooling, or how beautiful she is. Nevertheless she always thinks of herself as better, as if she is bitter about where she comes from. In her time away Dee has changed, she has forgotten her roots and the true meaning of her heritage. In Alice Walkers "Everyday Use" Dee represents the importance of understanding ones heritage, through misunderstanding her own, and shows this misunderstanding by way of changes in religion, changes in her name, and a complete lack of respect for her family and their possessions. As Dee steps out of the car Mama gets her first view of her daughter. The long, flowing, vibrant dress of yellows and oranges, the golden earrings and bracelets, and her new hairstyle are consistent with the traditional appearance of the Muslim religion. Mama seems to approve of the look, but Maggie does not as she groans at the new hairstyle. "Wa-su-zo-Tean-o!" Dee exclaims as she ste
As she leaves Dee says to her mother "You just don't understand," when Mama asks what she means by this she simply states "Your Heritage." (91). In actuality Dee is the one with the skewed meaning of heritage. She has been away a long time and comes back for a visit with a new religion, a new appearance, a new name and no respect for what little family she has. Dee then cuts the visit short and leaves angrily after her mother will not allow her to take the most priceless family heirloom she possesses. Dee needs to pick up a dictionary and look up the word heritage, because she certainly does not know what it means. When Dee and her new man arrive and begin to get out of the car, Mama seems glad to see them. Once the dust had settled Mama looks at her daughter and says, "'Well' I say, 'Dee'" "'No Mama,' she says. 'Not 'Dee', Wangero Leewanika Kemanjo!'" (88). Dee has changed the name her mother gave her, the name that she has carried since birth. "'She's dead,' Wangero said, 'I couldn't bear it any longer, being named after the people who oppress me.'" (88). Dee says this as if her family had been slaves and her owners had named her. In reality Dee was named after her aunt Dicie, and Mama is able to trace Dicie's name back two more generations. As Mama and Dee argue, Mama notices Dee getting tired of the conversation as if to show that Dee knew she did not have a valid argument. One of the definitions of heritage is tradition or something that is passed down from generation to generation, such as a name. Dee changed her name
Some common words found in the essay are:
Mama Maggie, Mama Dee, Muslims Dee, Everyday Dee, Leewanika Kemanjo', Muslim Dee, Maggie Maybe, Wa-su-zo-Tean-o Dee, Dicie Mama, , dee changed, 88 dee, mama maggie, lack respect family, meaning heritage, heritage comes, respect family, dee goes, changed name, muslim religion, steps car, dee changed name,
Approximate Word count = 1046
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)
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