Everyday Use

     Everyday Use is a short story written by Alice Walker. The introduction of the story’s plot is where the author presents the characters of the mother or the narrator, the protagonist which I believe is Maggie. The story has a first person point of view in which we see and feel everything through the mother’s perspective. The protagonist, Maggie, is presented as a thin, shy, young woman. Maggie is a humble and reserved girl that lives with her mother. The story takes place in the yard of the family house. There while the mother and Maggie are waiting for Dee (the older sister), the mother recalls her memories of the two girls and identifies the great differences that exist between them. Maggie has always been timid and introverted, she is not considered to be bright or quick and she lives up to the expectations of others. Dee on the other hand has always been that assertive and extroverted woman many are impressed with. Dee has education, good looks and confidence. Their mother believes that Maggie admires and envies Dee and at the same time she thinks that Dee hates Maggie.

     Dee visits her mother with the intention of acquiring some of the articles that belonged to her ancestors, this turns to be ironic because Dee only became interested in those objects after she went to school and discovered how valuable they are, while Maggie, although uneducated, has always been aware of the great importance of those articles. The mother then decides to stand up for Maggie who won’t do so for herself and put a stop to Dee who always has obtained what she wants. The theme in this story is to be yourself and be proud of who you are. Don’t always go with what is more popular, follow you own beliefs. 

    I liked Everyday Use, I believe it’s kind of amusing and many could easily relate to it. The situation that occurs in this story happens in many families, especially in families of a native background where the predominant society only sees them as something good for a museum exhibition. I believe there should be more interest in culture and heritage, they are a part of who we are and we should be proud.