Question

What do you think the quilts represent in the story? Considering this line and the title of the story, how do you think the phrase "everyday use" relates to the idea of heritage? Give examples from the text to support your answer.

Answer 1

This question refers to the story "Everyday Use" by Alice Walker.

In this story, two sisters fight over some quilts that they want to inherit. However, each one of them has a different opinion about what to do with the quilts. While Maggie believes the quilts should be used as everyday items, Dee believes they should be displayed as an example of artistic ability.

The quilts are meant to represent the heritage of the sisters, and the way they each understand how to deal with their heritage and their culture. The phrase "everyday use" references the way heritage should be understood. The author is trying to convey the idea that heritage is not something to be displayed for others. Instead, it is something that should be experienced every single day, and should impact most aspects of our life.

In the case of Dee, this is not the case. While Dee admires the quilts, she does not feel inclined to experience her culture every day. In fact, she rejects many aspects of it, such as her name and her family's way of living. On the other hand, Maggie experiences her culture every day and is much more appreciative of the everyday experiences of her family.