Everyday Use Characterization

Characterization While many people in this world embrace their culture, there are certain individuals who struggle to define what their culture is, and who struggle to find themselves. In Alice Walkers “Everyday Use,” each character individually represents a different aspect of who they are, and of what they believe in. The characters Maggie, Dee, and Mama all represent a different aspect of life, which helps to contribute to the overall theme of heritage within a family. Ever since the family experienced a devastating event, a fire with an unknown cause, it triggered a different feeling in each of the characters. While Mama not only had to worry for her daughter, she had to worry about the future, and where her family was going to be. She strived to provide the best care, and still managed to obtain some special items relating to her heritage. With all the heirlooms she was able to preserve, she was able to carry on her family’s heritage. For Dee, not only was she happy that the house burned down, but she also expressed no worry for her family’s safety. It makes the reader wonder if she possible
Her actions from the start of the visit to the end were all unexpected to Maggie and Mama, and this proved that there was a big difference in Dee. Upon seeing Dee, she immediately wants to be called by her new name. With the new name, she is running away from her past and heritage, and is hiding from the one thing that can tie her to her heritage. Maggie nor Mama ever changed their names, they accepted who they are, and even with scars from the past, they do not show regret of who they have become. With a sense of acceptance, Maggie and Mama show that heritage in a family can survive, and that it can be preserved. While Dee wants to change her name and how she looks, she is trying to change her heritage by hiding her