Through contrasting family members and views in “Everyday Use”, Alice Walker illustrates the importance of understanding our present life in relation to the traditions of our own people and culture. Using careful descriptions and attitudes, Walker demonstrates which factors contribute to the values of one’s heritage and culture; she illustrates that these are represented not by the possession of objects or mere appearances, but by one’s lifestyle and attitude. In “Everyday Use” Walker …showed first 75 words of 959 total…

…showed last 75 words of 959 total…While Dee may be working towards a period of enlightenment, she certainly did not demonstrate the insight that may come as she matures. Through “Everyday Use” Walker shows that culture is neither name changes nor speaking a foreign tongue. One’s culture and heritage are taught, from one generation to the next, not suddenly picked up or acquired. A person who possesses real heritage and culture make use of it every day of their life.