The story "Everyday Use" is about the way in which an individual understands his present life in relation to the traditions of his people and culture. I analyzed this story using the cultural studies perspective. This perspective views people's ways of life, beliefs, customs and attitudes. When analyzing a story using the method it is very important that no single culture prevails. There are many different approaches to understanding a cultural study.
In "Everyday Use", Walker shows the different sides of culture and heritage in the characters of Dee and her mother. The mom represents simple, and practical way of life where culture and heritage are valued both for its usefulness as well as it's personal significance. Dee represents modern way of life where culture and heritage are to be valued only for their "trendy-ness".
This is shown by the two characters appearances. Dee is described as being
light skinned, with nice hair and a full figure. She's has on a long dress. Dee is more occupied with aesthetic appearances rather than practicality. The mother describes herself as "a large, big-boned woman with rough, man-working hands". She also says she has enough fat to keep her "hot in zero weather". She also describes how she "can kill and clean a hog as mercilessly as a man". The mother seems that's she is better then everyone else cause she could do things her predecessors could do.
Alice Walkers use of symbols enriches the narrator's point of view. The contested quilts become symbolic of the story's theme. Dee doesn't understand that culture is taught, from one generation to the next, not suddenly picked up like an antique found in a pawnshop. Maggie is the one who learned culture that she can put to use everyday and make more quilts.
The author chose the first person narrator view for the story. This vi
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