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
She wants the quilts again for artistic value and not every day use, however Mama has already promised the quilts to Maggie as a wedding gift. 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. She has brief words with Maggie and then leaves without a word to her mother. "We sat down to eat and right away he said he didn't eat collards and pork was unclean. In this regard Dee shows such a lack of respect for family and her heritage that it comes as no surprise that Mama would not allow her to have the quilts. While everyone is eating, Dee takes notice of the butter churn in the corner and decides she wants it, as well as the dasher that goes with it. Mama brings Maggie into the other room, snatches the quilts away from Dees grasp and gives them to Maggie. When everyone sits down to eat Dee shows that her new religious beliefs are all just a charade. Dee is with a man, apparently Muslim as well "The short stocky yellow with the hair to his navel is all grinning and he follows up with 'Asalamalakim my mother and my sister!'" (88). "'She's dead,' Wangero said, 'I couldn't bear it any longer, being named after the people who oppress me. In reality Dee was named after her aunt Dicie, and Mama is able to trace Dicie's name back two more generations. Dee throws a sort of temper tantrum trying to get her way, as a three-year-old would do.
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Acceptance Essays
