The Legacy of the Home
Alice Walker’s “Everyday Use” reveals Dee’s resentful attitude to the Johnson household. It reflects her shameful views about her family’s heritage and how they interpret it.
Mama, Maggie, Dee give detailed descriptions of their house. These descriptions show how Dee perceives her family. Mama, the narrator (1226) describes the yard as “more comfortable that most people know…like a large living room.” Maggie and Mama had taken great care of it (1226). This yard is now homely. The yard is their refuge and sanctuary from the harsh outside world. The narrator is shocked to realize that Dee will destroy the yard. I was once told by her that she would come to see us no matter where we live. She will not bring her friends (1228). Dee’s feelings are shameful and disillusioned by the difference made between Dee’s care and Dee’s. Dee takes great pride when Mama and Maggie clean the house, while Dee views the house as a blank slate. But you wouldn’t believe it if you saw Mama and Maggie living their lives. Dee’s modern thinking makes it difficult to accept the house she grew up with, Maggie and Mama giving her a polaroid and naming a new name. It also causes more discord within the family. “Everyday Use”, set after the Black Power movement of 1970s, depicts the misguided legacy Dee places onto the house. Dee says that she “never takes a photo without including the house” (1229). Walker is clear from the start that Dee’s family home is an integral part of her memories. Dee’s fascination with the house’s history, antiquity, and architecture turns into a materialistic obsession. She says, “I can use a churn top for the alcove tables” and refers to her Grandma who had quilts. (1231, 1232). Dee is using the house as a means to fulfill her false senses about heritage. Dee’s views on modern Black Power clash with her mother. Mama says Dee can’t enjoy the quilts !…She won’t probably be able to use them for everyday use Mama continues to question Mama’s understanding of the family’s differences, asking her: “What do you not understand?” ‘Your heritage.’ [Dee] said” (1232). Dee’s misinterpretation on culture is the time period in which the Johnsons are living, in which black people would be proud of their ancestors.
Walker used the Johnson’s household to explain Dee’s obvious differences with her family. Dee’s position in the family is clear from their different perspectives. Dee is trying to maintain her black culture through different means such as changing or using family heirlooms. Mama and Maggie aren’t inclined to reevaluate the meaning of being a black person. They illustrate the difference in values that were experienced during the confusing times after the Civil Rights Movement.
