It is ironic that Dee shows interest in the churn top and quilts because these items hold sentimental value for her family, which she previously rejected as old-fashioned and backward. Dee's sudden appreciation for these objects reflects her superficial understanding of her cultural heritage, highlighting her disconnect from her roots.
the quilts Apex
The quilts because they represent history .
The quilts in "Everyday Use" symbolize heritage, family roots, and tradition. They represent the connection to the past and the importance of honoring and preserving one's cultural legacy. The conflict over the quilts reflects the differing views on the significance of these cultural artifacts within the family.
Marilyn I. Walker has written: 'Ontario's Heritage Quilts' -- subject(s): Quilts, History
Dee wants the quilts to display in her home as a proud representation of her heritage. However, if it were not a fashionable thing, Dee would not even want the quilts, so in a way it is also a fashion statement more than about her need to capture her heritage.
The climax in "Everyday Use" occurs when Dee wants to take the family quilts to hang them up as decorations. Mama, the narrator, initially agrees but then decides to give the quilts to Maggie, the sister who will put them to everyday use, leading to a moment of tension and realization about the value of heritage and tradition.
In Alice Walker's "Everyday Use," the quilts symbolize cultural heritage and personal identity. For Dee, the quilts represent a link to her African roots and a means to showcase her heritage as art, detached from their practical use. In contrast, for Maggie, the quilts embody a deep familial connection and the memories of her ancestors, serving as a tangible reminder of her upbringing and the love within her family. This difference highlights their contrasting views on heritage: Dee seeks to claim it as a status symbol, while Maggie values it as a living part of her life.
The narrator, Mama, thinks that Maggie will appreciate the quilts more as she plans to give them to her as a heritage to carry on their family traditions. Mama believes that Maggie understands the significance and history behind the quilts, while she sees Dee as viewing them as mere decorations.
In "Everyday Use" by Alice Walker, Dee rejects the quilts her mother offers because she views them as valuable artifacts of her heritage rather than functional items meant for everyday use. She desires the quilts to showcase her cultural identity and heritage as part of her new lifestyle, rather than appreciating their practical purpose and the sentimental value they hold within her family. Dee's attitude reflects a disconnect from her roots, as she seeks to reclaim her heritage in a superficial way.
Dee returning home after a long absence and expressing interest in the old quilts made by her grandmother. Dee insisting on taking the quilts for display rather than everyday use, causing conflict between her and her family. Mama's decision to give the quilts to Maggie instead of Dee, signaling a shift in power dynamics and highlighting the importance of heritage and tradition.
In "Everyday Use," Alice Walker uses symbolism such as the quilts and the butter churn to reveal the narrator's character. The narrator's attachment to these objects highlights her connection to her heritage and her values of practicality and tradition. Through these symbols, Walker shows the narrator's conflicted feelings towards her daughters and her struggle to balance the past with the present.
In everyday use, family members who tend to get cold during the night also tend to get more quilts on their beds. Traditionally, the best and more artful quilts are saved to be used by guests as an expression of hospitality and honor.