ELEMENTS OF FICTION 1

Elements of Fiction Essay

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Elements of Fiction Essay

"Everyday Use" by Alice Walker delves deeply into the theme of cultural heritage and

its significance within African American families. Several key historical events and social

movements influenced the themes, characters, and plot of the story. These movements aimed

to empower African Americans, celebrate their cultural heritage, and demand equality and

justice in American society. Walker's story reflects the tension between embracing African

heritage and navigating the complexities of identity in a post-civil rights era.

One crucial historical event that significantly shapes the narrative is the Civil Rights

Movement, which sought to dismantle racial segregation and discrimination in the United

States. This movement challenged the status quo and inspired African Americans to assert

their rights and reclaim their cultural heritage. In "Everyday Use," Dee's return from college

with a newfound appreciation for her African roots mirrors the broader cultural awakening

that occurred during the Civil Rights Movement. Dee's rejection of her birth name and

adoption of the African name Wangero symbolize her desire to reconnect with her African

identity. She declares, "I couldn't bear it any longer, being named after the people who

oppress me (Walker, 1973)." This statement underscores Dee's rejection of the names

associated with oppression and her quest for self-empowerment rooted in her African

heritage.

The Black Power Movement, with its emphasis on black pride and self-determination,

also influences the themes of the story. Dee's insistence on taking the family heirlooms, such

as the quilts, to preserve them as artifacts aligns with the Black Power Movement's call for

cultural preservation and celebration. Dee asserts, "I hope you don't think she'd be backward

enough to put them to everyday use (Walker, 1973)." This quote highlights Dee's belief that
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the quilts should be revered as symbols of African heritage rather than used in ordinary daily

life.

The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of a modest, impoverished homestead

inhabited by an African American family. This setting is not merely a backdrop but serves as

a dynamic force that informs the characters' identities, values, and relationships. The rural

Southern setting evokes a sense of tradition, continuity, and connection to the land. The

author immerses the reader into a world shaped by the historical injustices and legacies of

slavery. This setting prepares ground for resilience of African American communities to

stand out in the face of hardship and oppression. The rural south also hosts ancestral

traditions that have been passed down through generations exhibited by artefacts and ritual

The quilts, handmade by the characters' ancestors from scraps of fabric and clothing,

symbolize the resilience, creativity, and interconnectedness of African American women

across time and space.

One major theme in the story is the conflict between genuinely embracing one's

cultural heritage versus merely appropriating it for different reasons. Dee, who has changed

her name to Wangero Leewanika Kemanjo and adopted elements of African culture,

represents the character who seeks to claim her heritage in a way that seems disconnected

from her familial roots. She wants to take the family's handmade quilts and other artifacts not

necessarily to honor their history but to display them as artifacts of her new identity. In

contrast, Maggie embodies a deeper connection to her cultural heritage. She values the

family's quilts not just as objects but as symbols of their shared history and experiences.

The theme of love is blended into the relationships between the characters and their

connections to their cultural heritage. While the story primarily focuses on the conflict

between Dee, Maggie, and their mother over the family quilts, the underlying theme of love
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permeates the narrative in various forms. The love between family members is evident

throughout the story. Despite their differences in personalities and perspectives, the mother,

Dee, and Maggie share a deep bond shaped by their shared history and experiences. This

familial love is expressed through acts of caregiving, protection, and sacrifice, as seen in the

mother's efforts to provide for her daughters and ensure their well-being.

Reference

Walker, A. (1973). Every Day Use. Harper’s Magazine.

https://harpers.org/archive/1973/04/everyday-use/