Alice Walker's short story "Everyday Use" gives readers a perfect example of how
tradition can change or remain the same from one sibling to the next. The author uses
several factors to help tie in tradition between the two sisters. Walker focuses her
attention on education, fashion, and physical appearances to help readers understand
the meaning behind her story.
The difference in fashion between the two sisters is easily seen. Throughout the
story Walker illustrates that Maggie's fashion sense is limited. Maggie fashion sense is
limited because she has lived in a rural area her whole life. She was taught at a young
age how to sew and quilt by her mother and big Dee. Maggie is skilled in making
clothes, but lacks the style or understanding of fashion to make clothes like her sisters.
Maggie's lack of fashion can also be contributed to her unwillingness to show of her
body. She is ashamed of her body, so she wears clothes that hid her womanly
features. Maggie's sense of fashion when related to tradition is more attuned to her
mother's way of life, and the family members who came before her. Dee's idea of
fashion when related to her heritage is more materialistic and superficial. Dee has
always wanted nice things in life. She also wanted a life away from home. She
definitely has an understanding of style and fashion. Dee arrives to her mother's house
wearing a long flowing dress with extremely bright colors. She is wearing gold earrings
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and bracelets that dangle. Her hair is styled. Walker says "At sixteen she had a style of
her own: and knew what style was. Dee understands the styles of today, but doesn't
appreciate the style and fashion her mother and sister u...