Everyday Use

"Everyday Use" is a short story by Alice Walker that explores themes of family, heritage, and identity. It centers on a mother and her two daughters, Dee and Maggie, who have different views on their cultural roots. Dee, wanting to emphasize her African heritage, seeks to take family heirlooms, while Maggie values her everyday connection to their past. The story highlights how heritage can be understood differently—either as something to be celebrated or as a part of daily life—and examines the importance of respecting and understanding one's true cultural identity.