A Critical Analysis of Alice Walker's "Every Day Use"
             The way that an individual understands their present life is in direct relation to the current traditions of their culture and people. Because America is virtually a compilation of many cultures and traditions, it is not uncommon that one could become confused when confronted about the true value of one's heritage and culture. Through careful descriptions of the characters, settings and quilts in her story "Everyday Use," Alice Walker demonstrates that a person's value of their heritage and culture is not necessarily represented by possessions, but by one's lifestyle and attitude.
             Walker utilizes detailed descriptions and emotional appeal of Dee (Wangero), the mother and Maggie to show two different valuations of cultural heritage. Mama and Maggie represent a content, simple and practical way of life, where culture and heritage are valued both for usefulness and personal significance. Mama, the narrator, describes herself as "a large, big-boned woman with rough, man-working hands." She also states that she "knocked a bull calf straight in the brain between the eyes with a sledge hammer and had the meat hung up to chill before night fall." While reading these descriptions, it is easy to begin to admire Mama's self-sufficiency. The impression is also given that Mama has the ability to perform duties as well as, if not better than, her ancestors. Maggie, who was burned at a young age, lives the same simplistic life as her mother. Walker describes Maggie as "homely" and a "lame animal," stimulating sympathetic and pitiful emotions because of her bur!
             n scars and shyness. However, like her mother, Maggie possesses skills that many of the past women in the family did, such as quilting. On the other hand, Dee is the representation of a materialistic, complex and modern way
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