Everyday Use By Alice Walker Analysis

Essay of “Everyday Use”
In the story “Everyday Use” by Alice Walker there are many significant themes that are used. Each theme used in the story is supported by great imagery as well. This story features conflict between the main characters Dee and Mama. The story shortly references each situation from the past and present. Throughout the story Mama and Dee have many conflicts with each other. Each conflict describes a situation that helps explain the relationship that Mama and Dee have with each other.
The first conflict comes from a back story given to the readers between Dee and Mama. In the beginning of the story mama admits that she admires how Dee is always so outgoing, and in other words head strong. Mama also referenced examples,

This is the most powerful because this is the point where Mama cannot take anymore of “Wangero”. In this section of the story Dee or “Wangero” is trying to find different possessions that her ancestors made to take back with her. Dee finds all kinds of different antiques that she would like to use to put in her home, and she also finds the quilts. The quilts that Dee wanted were made by Mama and Big Dee, which is Mama’s sister. These quilts were significant because they going to be for Maggie, which Dee’s sister. Maggie has received the short end of the stick over everything throughout her whole life, and mama had been saving those quilts for her special day. When Dee tried to do what she normally does, which is get her way, Mama had to finally put her foot down. Dee also tries to insult Maggie by saying “ … Probably be backwards enough to put them to everyday use.” (Walker 432 ). At this point Mama knew she had to finally stand up for Maggie, and she does. She takes the quilts away and gives them to Maggie, who has not said a word. This conflict was so significant because it shows how Mama has finally grown from the admiration that she has for