The Idea of Cultural Heritage in Everday Use
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Table of contents
Introduction 2 Dee 's Idea of Cultural Heritage 3 Maggie 's Idea of Cultural Heritage 4 Quilt as a Symbol of Cultural Heritage 5 Conclusion 6 Bibliography Plagiatserklärung
Introduction
The short story “Everyday Use“ by Alice Walker, from the collection In Love and Trouble, published in 1973, was written during the Black Power Movement in 1960 's. During this period, African-Americans were trying to reach equality in American society. African-American literature dealt with the problematic issues of integration, separation and the redefinition of the African heritage. In her story Walker portrays the quilt as the use and misuse of the cultural heritage and people 's different attitudes to it. The redefinition of the African heritage led to a conflict within African-American society.
The new view, held by the educated members with African-American origin collides with the traditional rural view, which represent the position of the older African-American members.
Dee 's Idea of Cultural Heritage
For Dee, the quilt belongs to the world of art. She uses the quilt as a decor by hanging it on her wall. Dee also gave up her name for the name “Wangero“, because she “could not bear it any longer, being named after people who oppress [her] “ (Walker:3013).
By changing her name and hanging the “Quilt“ on the wall, Dee demonstrates to the other members of the family that she has “cultural heritage“ (Christian:14).
Maggie 's Idea of Cultural Heritage
Maggie, the “uneducated“ sister, puts the quilt to “everyday use“. In contrast to Dee, Maggie appreciates her heritage differently, and the quilts “are an embodiment of the spirit her folk have passed on to her“ (Christian:15).
Quilt as a Symbol of Cultural Heritage in “Everyday Use“
In “Everyday Use“ the quilt functions as a symbol for traditions and cultural heritage. The quilt is made up of
Table of contents
Introduction 2 Dee 's Idea of Cultural Heritage 3 Maggie 's Idea of Cultural Heritage 4 Quilt as a Symbol of Cultural Heritage 5 Conclusion 6 Bibliography Plagiatserklärung
Introduction
The short story “Everyday Use“ by Alice Walker, from the collection In Love and Trouble, published in 1973, was written during the Black Power Movement in 1960 's. During this period, African-Americans were trying to reach equality in American society. African-American literature dealt with the problematic issues of integration, separation and the redefinition of the African heritage. In her story Walker portrays the quilt as the use and misuse of the cultural heritage and people 's different attitudes to it. The redefinition of the African heritage led to a conflict within African-American society.
The new view, held by the educated members with African-American origin collides with the traditional rural view, which represent the position of the older African-American members.
Dee 's Idea of Cultural Heritage
For Dee, the quilt belongs to the world of art. She uses the quilt as a decor by hanging it on her wall. Dee also gave up her name for the name “Wangero“, because she “could not bear it any longer, being named after people who oppress [her] “ (Walker:3013).
By changing her name and hanging the “Quilt“ on the wall, Dee demonstrates to the other members of the family that she has “cultural heritage“ (Christian:14).
Maggie 's Idea of Cultural Heritage
Maggie, the “uneducated“ sister, puts the quilt to “everyday use“. In contrast to Dee, Maggie appreciates her heritage differently, and the quilts “are an embodiment of the spirit her folk have passed on to her“ (Christian:15).
Quilt as a Symbol of Cultural Heritage in “Everyday Use“
In “Everyday Use“ the quilt functions as a symbol for traditions and cultural heritage. The quilt is made up of
Bibliography: Primary Literature Walker, Alice. “Everyday Use“. The Norton Anthology Literature 3rd ed. 2nd vol. Eds. Nina Baym, et al. New York: Norton, 1989. 2319-2325. Print. Secondary Literature Baker, Houston, and Charlotte Pierce-Baker.“Patches: Quilts and Community in Alice Walker 's Everyday Use“. Alice Walker: Critical Perspectives Past and Present. Eds. Henry Louis Gates and K. A. Appiah. New York: Amistad, 1993. 309-316. Print. Bloom, Harold, ed. Alice Walker- Modern critical views.New York: Chelsea House, 1989. Christian, Barbara T. Novels for Everyday Use. Black Women Novelists, the Development of a Tradition. (Westport: Greenword Press, 1980). Pp.180-238. Print. Cowart, David. “Heritage an d Deracination in Alice Walker 's Everyday Use“. Studies in Short Fiction 33.3 (1996): 171-184. UP.