**What does Dee value in “Everyday Use”?**
In Alice Walker’s renowned short story “Everyday Use,” the main character, Dee, exhibits particular values that shape her actions and decisions. Dee’s quest for her cultural heritage is the driving force behind her desires and choices. Let us delve deeper into what Dee truly values in “Everyday Use” and how it influences her interactions with her family and her perception of heritage.
Dee, a modern and educated African-American woman, desires to reclaim her African roots and connect with her cultural heritage. She sees her family’s heritage as objects and artifacts to be displayed and admired superficially, rather than treasured for the meaning and stories they hold. The most explicit expression of Dee’s values is her incessant determination to possess the quilts made by her grandmother and other family members. She views these quilts as objects of art rather than functional items, intending to hang them on a wall rather than using them in the way they were traditionally meant to be used.
Dee’s desire for the quilts is not solely motivated by her appreciation of their aesthetic value but also by her yearning to showcase her African heritage. By possessing these quilts, Dee hopes to adopt a persona that is rooted in her African origins. She believes that by surrounding herself with these artifacts, she can embody her cultural identity in a way that aligns with her modern, intellectual self.
FAQs about Dee’s values in “Everyday Use”:
1. Why does Dee value her cultural heritage?
Dee values her cultural heritage because she believes it represents her true identity and connects her to her African roots.
2. What do the quilts symbolize to Dee?
The quilts symbolize both art and African heritage to Dee.
3. How does Dee view her family’s heritage?
Dee sees her family’s heritage as objects to be displayed and admired rather than cherished for their deeper meaning.
4. Why does Dee want to possess the quilts?
Dee wants to possess the quilts to construct a persona that aligns with her modern, intellectual self while also showcasing her African heritage.
5. How does Dee plan to use the quilts?
Dee plans to use the quilts as decorative artworks, intending to hang them on a wall rather than using them for their traditional purpose.
6. Does Dee understand the true value of her family’s heritage?
No, Dee’s understanding of her family’s heritage is superficial, focusing on the outward appearance rather than the historical and cultural significance.
7. How do Dee’s values affect her relationship with her family?
Dee’s values strain her relationship with her family, particularly with her mother and sister, who have a more genuine and personal connection to their cultural heritage.
8. What does Dee’s desire for the quilts reveal about her character?
Dee’s desire for the quilts reveals her inclination to prioritize the external representation of her cultural identity rather than embracing its essence.
9. Does Dee’s perspective change throughout the story?
Dee’s perspective remains largely unchanged, reflecting her unwavering pursuit of material symbols of her African heritage.
10. Why does Dee reject her original name in favor of “Wangero”?
Dee rejects her original name because she perceives it as a symbol of her oppressive past and chooses “Wangero” to signify her African heritage.
11. How does Dee’s view of heritage differ from that of her mother and sister?
Dee’s view of heritage emphasizes the display and ownership of cultural artifacts, while her mother and sister view heritage as a lived experience embodied in their practical use of objects.
12. What does Dee learn about heritage by the end of the story?
Dee’s superficial understanding of heritage remains unchanged, as she leaves with the quilts but fails to comprehend their true significance within her family’s history.
In “Everyday Use,” Dee’s values play a significant role in the story’s central conflicts. While her efforts to connect with her cultural heritage are commendable, her superficial approach distances her from the essence of her family’s legacy. Her obsession with material possessions overshadows the genuine understanding and appreciation of her African roots. Through Dee’s journey, Alice Walker prompts us to reflect on the true nature of heritage and its multifaceted significance beyond physical objects.