The Short Story "Everyday Use" and the Symbolism of the Quilts

Through distinct family members and views in "Everyday Use", Alice Walker demonstrates the significance of understanding our present life in relation to the traditions of our own people and culture. Using careful images and attitudes, Walker demonstrates which factors play a part to the values of one's tradition and culture; she illustrates that these are represented not by the possession of objects or sheer appearances, but by one's lifestyle and attitude. In "Everyday Use" Walker embodies the different sides of culture and heritage that is represented in the quilts through the characters oft the mother (the narrator), Dee, and Maggie.…