The Valuable Quilt

Just as we know, the Black Power Movement has marked a turning point in black-white relations in the United States. Besides, it grows out of the Civil Rights Movement that has gained momentum through the 1950s and 1960s. As one of the most influential American black writers, Alice Walker’s “Everyday Use” contains two significant parallels to the Black Power Movement and her life: racial equality and culture heritage. In this short story, the truest and most sincere method to pass down one’s heritage that the author intends to convey brings about not by possessing objects but by making use of them every day of life.

Historical Background

Alice’s “Everyday Use” is written in the context of the Black Power Movement. In the 1960s, the United States evoked the movement for Black Power. That was a time when Africa-Americans were struggling to define their personal identities by culture terms. African Americans were trying the best of their abilities to obtain racial equality and called for self-determination and dignity. The goal of the Black Power Movement was to fight against racial oppression and discrimination. At first, Blacks were encouraged to acknowledge their African heritage, little by little. Black people now figured out that African culture was as rich and diverse as any other, as well as a heritage that Blacks should take pride in.

Comprehensive Analysis

To begin with, it is worthy of analyzing from Character. Three main characters appear in the essay: Mama, older sister Dee and younger sister Maggie.

For one, from “She thinks her sister has held life always in the palm of one hand, that “no” is a word the world never learned to say to her” (Zhang 170). It can tell Maggie lacks of confidence and is at the mercy of fate. To a certain extent, she adores and envies her sister Dee because Dee always gets what she want. Nobody would say “no” to her. This type of character often plays a minor role in the stories in which she appear, but just about such a small potato reflects a high power in a story. For example, when she says “I can remember Grandma Dee without the quilts” (Zhang 175). Maggie represents a symbol of tradition black woman who adheres to African American culture and genuine love of black tradition.

Furthermore, “In real life I am a large, big-boned woman with rough, man-working hands. . .Johnny Car-son has much to do keep up with my quick and witty tongue”(Zhang 170). Another character Mama also displays the personality. She is an uneducated but sensible woman who performs physically active but spiritually weak. At the end of the story, Mama surprisingly gives the quilts to the younger sister Maggie, not, the older one as always.It is widely acknowledged that Mama approves of making the best use of quilts as everyday use, not other purposes. This part goes further explanation that family history should be a part of daily life.

For another, “Dee wanted nice things. . . She was determined to stare down any disaster in her efforts” (Zhang 171). The older daughter Dee embodies a number of qualities and traits such as educated, confident, fashionable and ill-tempered. From“ “Hang them”, she said.As it that was the only thing you could do with quilts”(Zhang 175). It can be seen that Dee represents a few black young people who fails to acknowledge their African American culture. So cherishing one’s heritage is by considering it not as a topic of study but rather as a way of life.

Besides, another side we can analyze is Structure. The short story’s plot has a step-by-step approach, and the highlight lies at the end of the story (Zhu 3).

The first part is that Maggie and Mama are waiting for Dee, who comes back to hometown from outside for a long time. It can be concluded that Dee hasn’t come back home for ages that could prove that all the memories of childhood has been effaced gradually from her mind. She also thinks the symbol of African American culture will be erased one day. It’s impossible for you to forget one thing if you like it. Moreover, this description paves the way for later events.

The second part is that Dee finally comes back home with her boyfriend and a new name. Furthermore, she has used another way to express her attitude towards cultural heritage by using a new name “Wangero” instead of Dee. The reason is that Dee desires not to be associated with her family. When they meet again, Walker uses one whole paragraph to describe Dee’s clothes in order to show that she dresses as African tradition model. And such “Wa-us-zo-Team-o” African language proves she has already given up black American culture (Zhu 3). The real religion is neither changing another name nor speaking a foreign tongue. Instead, should it be taught and inherited from one generation to generation, not acquired or picked up all of a sudden.

The last part and also the climax of the whole passage is an argument between two sisters Dee and Maggie on Grandma’s quilts. As a result, there is a sharp contrast between Dee and Maggie in possessing the quilts. Maggie owns connection to her heritage relying on the memories of her grandmother so that she plans to put “priceless” heirloom quilts to “everyday use”. But for this, Dee doesn’t understand. The symbol of the quilts in this event clarifies that Maggie embodies her culture’s ideals and appreciates her roots. Dee perceives the quilt as an ornate item of her nature which displays the departure from a previous way of living.

Similar Story

Not long ago, a story called “American Born Chinese” has come into my life. It has touched me deeply as if we have been in the same situation. The story mainly illustrates the life of a second generation Chinese, who born in America.Others always make fun of him because of his difference.So he dreamed of being a white person in reality, but that ‘s just a dream(Thornell). To be honest, it is hard to get reconciliation of Chinese and American culture, in other words, there is no balance point in these two aspects. It is no way to change the appearance, besides, the influence of parents and environment remains. Hence, it’s difficult for people to know these people’s right minds. In any event, Dee in “Everyday Use” and the central character in “American Born Chinese” get the exactly same thoughts. There is no magic formula that can determine what kind of person you would be. The first black President of America Barack Obama has become an instant hit in the 21st century. Four years later, he’s continued to get the re-election victory. Maybe his childhood has also been overshadowed by redness of shadows because of this life and color of skin. However, he succeeds in changing his fate and proving himself that would make blacks proud. Although we cannot decide our birth, we can determine our destiny.

It is obviously that the real cultural heritage should be personal and emotional not financial and esthetic. The quilts are the real trigger for the battle between Dee and Maggie. Just as people would be unwise and incorrect to learn and protect their culture heritage around the clock, it would be equally imprudent for them to spend every ounce of their time “chilling” with other cultures and then giving up own culture entirely. A balance is needed between traditional culture and other cultures. Back to the article, the best way to deal with the quilts is making the best use of them every day not just hanging up. The short story further proves the point that one’s heritage should be acknowledged and respected, also passed down from generation to generation.

Works Cited

Zhang, HanXi. Advanced English[M] . Foreign Language Teaching and Research                                    Press. China:Beijing ,1996.Print.

Zhu, Lihua. Writing Skills of Alice Walker’s Everyday Use. Journal of Baoshan Teachers College.              Yun Nan:Bao Shan, 2013.Print.

Thornell,Peter.American Born Chinese.Library Journal 139.10(2014):53..Academic Search                       Premier.Web.9 May 2015.Print.