The Fate of the Quilts: A Deep Dive into “Everyday Use”
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The central conflict in Alice Walker’s short story “Everyday Use” revolves around a set of hand-stitched quilts, and their ultimate fate becomes a poignant symbol of clashing perspectives on heritage and tradition. In the climax of the story, Mama, the narrator, snatches the quilts from Dee (also known as Wangero), and gives them to Maggie, her younger daughter. This act signifies a profound understanding of the true meaning of heritage and its application in everyday life.
The Quilts’ Journey Through the Narrative
The story builds tension around the impending visit of Dee, who has embraced a new, more “cultured” identity and changed her name. Dee, once seemingly embarrassed by her family’s simple way of life, now expresses a sudden interest in the family’s artifacts, including the quilts. These are not just ordinary blankets; they are meticulously crafted pieces of family history, made from scraps of fabric worn by generations past. Mama had planned on giving them to Maggie upon her marriage, recognizing Maggie’s appreciation for their practical, everyday value.
Dee’s Superficial Interest
When Dee arrives, she treats the quilts as art objects, expressing a desire to hang them on a wall, framing them and removing them from daily use. She views them as relics of a bygone era, suitable for display rather than for the purpose for which they were made. Her interest is driven by a fascination with what she perceives as a “primitive” or “authentic” past, which she views through the lens of her newly acquired “knowledge” and cultural identity. Dee’s desire to “preserve” them highlights her detachment from the living heritage and her understanding of her ancestors as exhibits, not as part of her continuous existence.
Mama’s Stand and Maggie’s Inheritance
Mama, on the other hand, views the quilts as an integral part of her family’s legacy and everyday life. She recognizes that Maggie, unlike Dee, will cherish and use the quilts as they were intended. She understands that the true value of the quilts lies not in their display, but in their practical application and the continuity of tradition. This leads to the decisive moment when Mama, in a moment of clarity and defiance, takes the quilts from Dee and places them in Maggie’s lap. This action powerfully conveys the story’s central theme: the value of lived heritage over the superficial appreciation of it. By giving the quilts to Maggie, Mama ensures that they will continue to be used, loved, and be a part of the family’s ongoing story. This ensures the heritage lives on through active participation rather than being preserved as a static artifact.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Quilts in “Everyday Use”
1. What is the significance of the quilts in “Everyday Use”?
The quilts are a powerful symbol of heritage, family history, and the connection between generations. They represent the legacy of the Johnson family, their struggles, and the love woven into each stitch. They are a tangible representation of Mama’s understanding of heritage.
2. What do the quilts mean to Mama?
To Mama, the quilts are not just blankets; they are a record of her family’s history and struggles. She sees them as an expression of her personal history, a treasure created from the efforts of her ancestors. They symbolize the continuing legacy of her family’s life and work.
3. What does Dee (Wangero) want to do with the quilts?
Dee wants to treat the quilts as decorative items or “art.” She plans to hang them on a wall, preserving them as museum pieces. This approach reflects her disconnection from the practical and lived aspects of her family’s heritage.
4. Why does Dee not want Maggie to have the quilts?
Dee believes that Maggie is too “ignorant” to appreciate or preserve the quilts properly. She fears that Maggie will use them up through daily use, thus destroying what she considers to be valuable artifacts. Dee views them as something to be preserved by someone “educated enough” to see their historical value.
5. How does Maggie view the quilts?
Maggie sees the quilts as a connection to her Grandmother Dee. She values them for their personal and emotional significance, understanding that they are meant to be used and loved. She associates them with her memories of her grandmother, showing a true appreciation of their family connection.
6. Why did Dee not want the quilts before?
Dee rejected the quilts in her youth, finding them “old-fashioned.” Her newfound interest is a superficial one, stemming from her desire to embrace what she perceives as her “African” heritage and to create an aesthetic for herself.
7. What is the importance of the fact that the quilts are hand-stitched?
The fact that the quilts are hand-stitched, with pieces from old family clothing, makes them deeply personal. This highlights the effort, love, and history that went into their creation. It underscores the craftsmanship and family connections embodied in each quilt.
8. What does the act of giving the quilts to Maggie symbolize?
Giving the quilts to Maggie signifies Mama’s decision to uphold her traditional values and to pass on her heritage to someone who genuinely understands it. This is an act of rebellion against Dee’s superficial view of tradition. It also represents a mother’s protection and support for her more vulnerable child.
9. What is the significance of the specific pieces of cloth in the quilts?
The use of pieces of dresses worn by previous family members adds emotional value to the quilts. This connects the past to the present and signifies the continuous legacy of their family’s history. Each piece of fabric carries a story within the larger narrative of the quilt.
10. How do the quilts represent the central conflict in the story?
The quilts represent the clash between two different understandings of heritage. Dee’s view of the past as something to be admired from afar, versus Mama’s and Maggie’s view of heritage as something to be lived, embraced, and woven into everyday life.
11. How does Dee’s desire for the quilts highlight her character?
Dee’s desire to hang the quilts highlights her superficial understanding of heritage. She is focused on the aesthetic and symbolic value rather than the lived experience and history that the quilts represent. Her actions suggest a need to validate her identity using what she perceives as her family’s historical artifacts.
12. Is Maggie’s understanding of the quilts’ value superior to Dee’s?
Yes, Maggie’s understanding is superior because she recognizes the quilts’ practical and emotional value. Her understanding is rooted in genuine affection and respect for her family’s history, and she will use them as they were meant to be used, as bed coverings. This highlights the importance of using and living through heritage, not just preserving it for display.
13. Why does Mama finally make the decision she does about the quilts?
Mama makes this decision because she realizes that Dee’s view is ultimately a rejection of her own family’s lived reality and traditions. She realizes that Maggie, despite her lack of formal education, has a deeper understanding of what the quilts truly represent. Mama’s decision is a powerful affirmation of her values and her preference for authenticity over outward displays of culture.
14. What is the irony surrounding the quilts and the girls?
The irony is that Dee, who views herself as more enlightened and appreciative of her heritage, completely misunderstands the quilts’ true value. Conversely, Maggie, who has been deemed less sophisticated, truly understands their significance. It’s the contrast between the superficial intellectual appreciation and genuine emotional connection to heritage.
15. How does the story’s ending relate to the conflict about the quilts?
The ending resolves the conflict by affirming that heritage is not something to be framed and displayed; it is something to be lived and passed on. Mama’s choice to give the quilts to Maggie symbolizes a decision to prioritize practical usage, family connections, and genuine understanding over intellectualized or superficial notions of heritage. Ultimately, Maggie gets the quilts because she respects them and will continue to have them play a part in the family’s story, as they were intended.