IndexMama - The narrator and embodiment of traditional heritageMaggie - The silent victim and heritage preserverDee - The antagonist and representation of conflict between heritage and assimilationCultural identity and the clash of generations Conclusion Alice Walker's short story "Everyday Use" follows the life of a family in rural Georgia. The story highlights the complexity of cultural heritage and identity through the contrasting attitudes of the three main characters, Mama, Maggie and Dee. Through the characters' interactions and attitudes, Walker sheds light on the importance of understanding and appreciating one's heritage. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Mama: The Narrator and Embodiment of Traditional Heritage Mama, or Mrs. Johnson, is the narrator of the story and serves as the embodiment of traditional heritage. Mom is described as strong and large, inheriting her physical appearance from her family. She has a deep connection to her heritage through her practical skills, such as butter making and quilting, and her fond memories of her family's past. Mom's understanding and appreciation for her heritage, however, is very different from her daughter Dee's superficial perspective. Maggie - The Silent Victim and Heritage Preserver Maggie is Mama's youngest daughter and is characterized as physically disabled and shy. Maggie doesn't have the same outward connection to their legacy as Mom, but she embodies its preservation. She appreciates the family's quilts not for their appearance, but for their historical significance. The quilts serve as a tangible representation of their family's past and cultural identity. Maggie's preference for practicality over appearance reflects a deep understanding of heritage. Dee - The antagonist and representation of the conflict between heritage and assimilation. Dee, also known as Wangero, is Mama's eldest daughter. Dee is portrayed as the antagonist of the story as she is the representation of the conflict between inheritance and assimilation. Dee is determined to distance herself from the rural lifestyle that Mum and Maggie still live and, as part of that, has changed her name to an Afrocentric name. She is fascinated by African artifacts and sees them as a way to demonstrate her connection to her roots. However, Dee misunderstands heritage as a commodity rather than a living and evolving tradition. Cultural Identity and the Clash of Generations The tension between Mama and Dee's conflicting views on heritage is the main source of conflict in "Everyday Use." Quilts are one of the main symbols of cultural heritage and are depicted as a representation of family history. Mother wants to give the quilts to Maggie as an embodiment of the continuation of their family's traditions. Dee, on the other hand, sees quilts as fashionable items that she can use to show others her heritage. Mom's eventual decision to give the quilts to Maggie is in line with heritage preservation. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Conclusion Walker's "Everyday Use" explores the complexities of heritage and cultural identity through the contrasting attitudes of the three main characters. Mother embodies traditional heritage, Maggie is a silent preserver of it, and Dee represents the conflict between inheritance and assimilation. The quilts serve as a tangible representation of family history and cultural identity significant to the characters. The story, 1(1), 34-39.