Sisters with Different Worlds
A Literary Analysis of 'Everyday Use' by Alice Walker
Introduction
In the short story 'Everyday Use' by Alice Walker, two sisters, Dee and Maggie, hold vastly different
perspectives on life, identity, and cultural heritage. Walker uses symbolism to highlight the stark
contrast between the sisters' values. Dee represents success and ambition but also detachment
from her ancestry, while Maggie embodies devotion and a deep connection to her family's traditions.
Mullin's interpretation further explores how literature can shape readers' emotional responses,
emphasizing the role of narrative perspective in shaping our understanding of the characters.
Dee's Character and Perspective
Dee is portrayed as an ambitious yet somewhat self-centered woman who lacks a genuine
connection to her heritage. She believes she understands and appreciates her cultural background
better than Maggie. Walker describes Dee's attitude toward the family quilts: 'Maggie can't
appreciate these quilts! She'd probably be backward enough to put them to everyday use' (Walker
5). This quote suggests that Dee views herself as superior in cultural awareness, despite her
detachment from family traditions.
Mullin offers a different perspective on Dee, stating: 'I did not like Dee, but I can respect her and
sympathize with her attempts to make something of herself in a world in which Black women are
expected to conform to problematic and stereotypically passive roles' (Mullin 4). This interpretation
highlights that Dee's strong-willed nature, though perceived negatively by the narrator, may stem
from her desire to break free from traditional limitations.
Maggie's Character and Devotion to Heritage
Maggie is depicted as shy, reserved, and deeply connected to her family's traditions. Unlike Dee,
she values heritage through everyday use rather than as symbolic artifacts. Walker illustrates
Maggie's quiet nature by stating: 'Maggie will be nervous until after her sister goes: she will stand
hopelessly in corners' (Walker 1). This conveys her lack of confidence and the stark contrast
between her and Dee.
When Dee demands the quilts, Maggie immediately concedes, saying: 'She can have them, Mama'
A Literary Analysis of 'Everyday Use' by Alice Walker
Introduction
In the short story 'Everyday Use' by Alice Walker, two sisters, Dee and Maggie, hold vastly different
perspectives on life, identity, and cultural heritage. Walker uses symbolism to highlight the stark
contrast between the sisters' values. Dee represents success and ambition but also detachment
from her ancestry, while Maggie embodies devotion and a deep connection to her family's traditions.
Mullin's interpretation further explores how literature can shape readers' emotional responses,
emphasizing the role of narrative perspective in shaping our understanding of the characters.
Dee's Character and Perspective
Dee is portrayed as an ambitious yet somewhat self-centered woman who lacks a genuine
connection to her heritage. She believes she understands and appreciates her cultural background
better than Maggie. Walker describes Dee's attitude toward the family quilts: 'Maggie can't
appreciate these quilts! She'd probably be backward enough to put them to everyday use' (Walker
5). This quote suggests that Dee views herself as superior in cultural awareness, despite her
detachment from family traditions.
Mullin offers a different perspective on Dee, stating: 'I did not like Dee, but I can respect her and
sympathize with her attempts to make something of herself in a world in which Black women are
expected to conform to problematic and stereotypically passive roles' (Mullin 4). This interpretation
highlights that Dee's strong-willed nature, though perceived negatively by the narrator, may stem
from her desire to break free from traditional limitations.
Maggie's Character and Devotion to Heritage
Maggie is depicted as shy, reserved, and deeply connected to her family's traditions. Unlike Dee,
she values heritage through everyday use rather than as symbolic artifacts. Walker illustrates
Maggie's quiet nature by stating: 'Maggie will be nervous until after her sister goes: she will stand
hopelessly in corners' (Walker 1). This conveys her lack of confidence and the stark contrast
between her and Dee.
When Dee demands the quilts, Maggie immediately concedes, saying: 'She can have them, Mama'
