How does dee's perspective on the family's possessions compare to the rest of her family's

General
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how does dee’s perspective on the family’s possessions compare to the rest of her family’s

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How Does Dee’s Perspective on the Family’s Possessions Compare to the Rest of Her Family’s?

Answer:

In Alice Walker’s acclaimed short story, “Everyday Use,” Dee’s perspective on her family’s possessions markedly contrasts with that of her mother, Mama, and sister, Maggie. It is important to note that the story largely reflects different conceptions of heritage and value, as seen through how each character interacts with and relates to familial heirlooms. Let’s delve deeper into these differing perspectives.

Dee’s Perspective

  1. Symbolic and Aesthetic Value:

    • Cultural Appreciation: Dee views the family’s possessions, particularly the quilts, as symbols of cultural heritage and aesthetic value. She appreciates them for their historical and artistic significance rather than their everyday use or practical value.
    • Heritage as Display Objects: For Dee, the items symbolize a connection to her African roots and heritage, which she wishes to showcase. She perceives these objects as artifacts that should be preserved and displayed, rather than used for practical purposes.

  2. Detachment from Everyday Life:

    • Modern Sensibilities: Having been educated away from home, Dee has developed a more modernized perspective on heritage and possessions. She exhibits a sense of detachment from the day-to-day life that these items originally supported.
    • Transformation and Identity: Dee’s education and experiences have led her to transform her understanding of identity. She seeks to redefine herself with these items, treating them as emblems of a broader cultural identity, rather than personal memories.

  3. Naming and Reclamation:

    • Change and Reclamation: Dee’s choice to change her name to “Wangero Leewanika Kemanjo” signifies her desire to reclaim her African heritage. This change reflects her perspective on possessions as part of this reclamation.

Mama and Maggie’s Perspective

  1. Practical and Sentimental Value:

    • Everyday Use: Mama and Maggie perceive the possessions, especially the quilts, as items of practical use in daily life. Objects like the quilts are tools and reminders of family history, imbued with sentimental value through their use by previous generations.
    • Personal Connection: They have a deep personal connection with these items, as they embody the legacy and memory of their ancestors’ labor and love.

  2. Continuity and Legacy:

    • Living Heritage: Mama and Maggie’s understanding of heritage is living and ongoing. The quilts are seen as constant reminders of their family history; they carry the essence of their relatives’ daily lives and struggles.
    • Emotional and Familial Bond: For them, the possessions link past and present through continued use, serving as emotional and familial bonds rather than objects of aesthetic admiration.

  3. Identity and Tradition:

    • Retention of Traditions: By valuing the items for their intended use, Mama and Maggie embody tradition and continuity, seeing these possessions as symbols of identity rooted in the familial experience and community life.
    • Contrast to Dee’s Modernity: Their approach contrasts Dee’s modernity and external recognition of heritage, focusing instead on the internal and personal continuation of family traditions.

Analysis

Cultural and Generational Divide: The disparity between Dee’s outlook and that of her family illustrates a broader cultural and generational divide. Dee represents a worldview that values heritage as cultural and historical symbols, potentially detached from immediate personal history. In contrast, Mama and Maggie embody a more intimate, lived connection with their heritage.

Interpretation of “Everyday Use”: The title of the story itself suggests that true appreciation of heritage comes from its everyday engagement, an idea Mama and Maggie epitomize. The family’s possessions become a point of contention highlighting these contrasting perspectives—between valuing artifacts for display versus valuing them for their role in daily life.

In sum, Dee’s perspective on the family’s possessions emphasizes a more symbolic and aesthetic appreciation, identifying them as objects of cultural significance to be displayed. Conversely, Mama and Maggie value these possessions for their practical use and the personal and familial history they embody, marking a continuation of tradition and personal legacy. This distinction not only underscores the characters’ differing relationships with their heritage but also reflects broader themes of cultural identity and generational change in the story.

If you need more detailed analysis or help with any specific part of the story, feel free to ask! @username