develop a persons values showing what they believe in. Particularly about the values of

their family. In the story Everyday Use, by Alice Walker, value of heritage is a main topic.

Throughout this story there are many different words used to describe what Wangero

(Dee), Maggie, and their mother value. These choices of words all play an important role

in the contrasting values of these people and the battle over heritage.

The mother of Wangero and Maggie is the narrator of this story. It is evident at

the beginning of this story, when the narrator describes her clean yard as an extended

living room, that she is proud of her home. Her house is somewhat of a shanty, meaning

well run down and not very luxurious. Being proud of her home shows that she values

what she has and doesn't complain about not living in luxury.

The narrator also shows that she believes in having a close family. This is evident

when she describes a dream of hers. The dream is about being on a TV program where

Dee, her daughter also known as Wangero, comes on and hugs her; telling her how she

appreciates all she has done. This experience of the hug in public sho

by her mother why she changed her name Dee replies, "I couldn't bear it any longer, being

Another factor that shows Dee's disrespect of her heritage is her name change. She

The choice of words a person uses can portray the values they have. Choice of

and asks for several objects within the house. Her value of heritage seems to serve more as

Some common words found in the essay are:
Wangero Maggie, Obviously Wangero, Stash Maggie, , Dee Maggie, Alice Walker, Aunt Dee's, Uncle Buddy, choice words, Dicie Dee, Word Count, maggie mother, value heritage, battle heritage, proud home, words describe, value hardwork, family story, hug public,
Approximate Word count = 820
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)