**What does Dee value in “Everyday Use”?**
In Alice Walker’s short story “Everyday Use,” Dee, one of the main characters, embodies a complex blend of values that shape her perception of heritage and identity. While she may initially seem disconnected from her cultural roots, a closer examination reveals the things Dee truly values and the reasons behind her choices.
One aspect that Dee values in “Everyday Use” is the preservation of cultural heritage. She believes that tangible artifacts from her family’s past hold immense value and should be displayed for their historical significance. **Dee values objects associated with African-American culture, such as quilts, churn tops, and dashers, as they represent her connection to her ancestry and the struggle for freedom.**
One of the most symbolic objects in the story is the quilt, which holds deep sentimental value for both Dee and her mother. Dee wants the quilts for aesthetic purposes, to hang them on the wall as a reflection of her cultural pride. Her desire to possess these quilts springs from her belief that they represent a transformative link to her historical roots.
However, **Dee’s appreciation for these artifacts sometimes borders on appropriation.** She sees them as artistic statement pieces rather than practical items that reflect the hard work and resilience of her ancestors. This clashes with her mother’s view that these quilts should be used in everyday life, rather than relegated to mere decorations.
Another value that Dee cherishes is education. Having obtained a higher education, she strives to distance herself from the limitations of her rural upbringing. Dee believes that education is a means of empowerment and progress, allowing her to break free from the cycle of poverty that plagued her family for generations. This belief in the transformative power of education fuels her desire to reinvent herself and assume a new identity.
The clash between Dee’s values and those of her immediate family serves as a major point of tension in the story. **While Dee seeks to embrace her African-American heritage through the acquisition of objects, her mother and sister, Maggie, understand heritage as an embodiment of lived experiences and connection.** Dee’s insistence on claiming cultural artifacts without an understanding of their true significance represents a fundamental disconnect between her and her family.
FAQs
1. What is the significance of the title “Everyday Use”?
The title signifies the tension between valuing cultural heritage either as practical, everyday items or as artistic artifacts.
2. How does Dee’s education shape her values?
Dee’s education fuels her desire for personal transformation and the belief that education is an avenue for progress.
3. Why does Dee want the quilts for decoration?
Dee wants the quilts as decorative pieces because she sees them as artistic statements representing her cultural heritage.
4. How does Dee’s perception of cultural heritage differ from her family’s?
Dee’s perception of cultural heritage revolves around collecting artifacts, while her family views it as a lived experience and connection to their roots.
5. What does the clash between Dee and her family reveal?
The clash reveals the disconnect between Dee’s desire for a superficial embrace of her cultural heritage and her family’s understanding of heritage as a result of communal experiences.
6. Does Dee genuinely value her cultural heritage?
Dee does value her cultural heritage, but her approach often lacks depth and genuine understanding.
7. Why does Dee change her name?
Dee changes her name to Wangero Leewanika Kemanjo to distance herself from the limitations of her rural background and embrace her newfound cultural identity.
8. How does Dee’s worldview impact her relationships?
Dee’s worldview causes her to feel superior to her family, creating a strained relationship based on differing values and perspectives.
9. What do the quilts symbolize?
The quilts symbolize the shared history and experiences of Dee’s ancestors, representing their struggles and triumphs.
10. What is the role of heritage in the story?
Heritage acts as a crucial element in the story, revealing generational and cultural differences between characters.
11. Does Dee’s mother value the quilts differently?
Dee’s mother values the quilts for their practicality and sentimental value, viewing them as a connection to her ancestors and a part of their everyday life.
12. Can cultural heritage be valued differently by different individuals?
Yes, cultural heritage can hold different meaning and value for different individuals based on their personal experiences and worldview.