Unraveling the True Meaning: What Quilts Symbolize in Everyday Use

AvatarByJill Nammar Quiting

“Quilts have long been a cherished and deeply symbolic aspect of American culture, with each intricately woven stitch holding a story and history within its fabric. However, in Alice Walker’s renowned short story ‘Everyday Use,’ the significance of quilts goes beyond mere warmth and comfort. These seemingly ordinary household items hold a powerful message about identity, heritage, and the evolving nature of family dynamics. Join us as we delve into the thought-provoking question: What do the quilts truly symbolize in ‘Everyday Use’?”

The Significance of Quilts in Everyday Use

Quilts have played a significant role in American culture for centuries. They have been used as blankets, decorative pieces, and even as symbols of family heritage. In Alice Walker’s short story, “Everyday Use,” quilts take on a whole new level of importance and symbolism.

In the story, two sisters, Dee and Maggie, are at odds over an old quilt made by their great-grandmother. The quilt is made up of various fabric scraps that hold a deeper meaning than just being a warm covering. Dee sees the quilt as a valuable piece of art to be displayed and admired, while Maggie sees it as a practical object meant for everyday use.

The Historical Significance of Quilts

Quilting has a long history in America and has been an integral part of American life since colonial times. It is believed that quilting originated from Europe and spread to America during the colonial period. However, American quilts have taken on their own unique style influenced by different cultural backgrounds such as African, Native American, and European.

During the 19th century, quilting took on new significance as women’s rights activists used quilts to raise awareness and funds for their cause. Quilt-making became a form of political expression with messages sewn into the fabric. Quilts were also used as gifts to honor important events such as births or weddings.

Quilts as Cultural Heritage

In “Everyday Use,” the quilt is seen as representing cultural heritage and family history. It is passed down from generation to generation and holds memories of those who came before. Each scrap of fabric holds a story and contributes to the overall meaning of the quilt.

For African Americans, quilting has been a way to preserve their cultural identity in the face of oppression and discrimination. African American quilts have their unique style, often incorporating bright colors and patterns inspired by traditional African designs. By using these elements in their quilts, African Americans were able to maintain a connection to their roots and cultural heritage.

The Symbolism of Quilts in “Everyday Use”

In “Everyday Use,” the quilt is used as a symbol of family heritage and identity. Despite its worn-out appearance, the quilt is highly valued by Mama and Maggie because it was made by their great-grandmother who stitched it with love and care. The quilt also symbolizes the hard work and sacrifices of Mama’s ancestors, making it a symbol of resilience and strength.

The two sisters’ conflicting views on the quilt also serve as a symbol for the generational and cultural divide in African American families. Dee, who has adopted her African roots, sees the quilt as an artifact to be displayed and appreciated for its artistic value. In contrast, Maggie sees it as a practical object meant for everyday use, reflecting her connection to her cultural heritage.

The Intersection of Art and Functionality

Despite Dee’s belief that the quilt should be hung on a wall as art, Mama and Maggie see its true value in its practical use. This highlights the intersection of art and functionality that is often evident in traditional crafts such as quilting. Quilts not only served a practical purpose as warm blankets but also acted as beautiful works of art.

In “Everyday Use,” Walker challenges our perception of art by showing us that something can be both functional and meaningful at the same time. The quilt may not hold any monetary value or be aesthetically pleasing to outsiders, but to Mama and Maggie, it represents their cultural identity and family connections.

In conclusion, quilts have long been an important part of American culture with deep historical significance. In “Everyday Use,” Alice Walker expertly uses quilts as a symbol of cultural heritage and family identity in the African American community. The story forces readers to confront their own beliefs about art, culture, and tradition while highlighting the continued importance of quilts in American society. The next time you see a quilt, take a moment to appreciate its rich symbolism and the stories it holds within its fabric.

The Significance of Quilts in Everyday Use

Quilts have been an integral part of human culture for centuries, and their significance goes far beyond keeping us warm on chilly nights. In the short story “Everyday Use” by Alice Walker, quilts are used as a powerful symbol that represents family heritage, identity, and the struggle to preserve one’s cultural roots. The story revolves around a family consisting of a mother, Mama, and her two daughters Dee and Maggie. When Dee returns home after being away for many years, she wants to take possession of two handmade quilts that have been passed down in the family for generations. However, Mama decides to give them to Maggie instead. This decision sparks a heated debate between Dee and Mama about the meaning and importance of these quilts.

The Cultural Significance of Quilts

Quilting is an art form that originated in ancient Egypt but has evolved over time across different cultures, including Africa and America. In African-American communities, quilts hold a special significance as they were often used to document history, tell stories, and pass down traditions from one generation to the next. Slaves brought this tradition with them to America and continued using it as a means of expression even during times of oppression and hardship.

In “Everyday Use,” Walker highlights how Mama’s grandmother pieced together scraps of fabric from old clothes to make these quilts. This act was not just about creating something functional but also served as a way to preserve their African roots in a foreign land. It was an act of resistance against the erasure of their cultural identity.

The Symbolism Behind Quilts in “Everyday Use”

In the story, Dee sees the quilts as mere objects that hold monetary value due to their handmade nature. She no longer connects with her African-American heritage and instead embraces a more “trendy” version of African culture, which she believes is the only way to reclaim her identity. On the other hand, to Mama and Maggie, these quilts represent their family’s legacy. They are a tangible connection to their ancestors and a reminder of their struggles and triumphs.

The two quilts in “Everyday Use” also serve as a representation of two different ideologies. Dee sees them as symbols of empowerment in her pursuit of material wealth and success, while Mama and Maggie view them as a symbol of cultural heritage and the value of simplicity and tradition.

The Conflict Between Materialism and Tradition

The conflict between Dee’s desire for the quilts and Mama’s decision to give them to Maggie reveals the clash between materialism and tradition. Dee wants to take possession of the quilts because they hold value in the eyes of mainstream society. She sees them as an opportunity to showcase her cultural heritage instead of genuinely embracing it. As a result, she becomes disconnected from her roots and family.

On the other hand, Mama values tradition over material gain. She understands that these quilts hold sentimental value for Maggie, who has grown up with them as part of her daily life. Therefore, Mama’s decision to give the quilts to Maggie represents her choice to preserve their heritage rather than allowing it to be exploited for personal gain.

The Message Behind Mama’s Decision

In giving the quilts to Maggie, Mama sends a powerful message about what it truly means to embrace one’s cultural identity. She shows that true appreciation for one’s heritage lies in understanding its significance instead of trying to showcase it superficially. Mama wants Maggie to continue using the quilts in everyday life rather than keeping them locked away as objects on display.

Moreover, Mama’s decision also challenges Dee’s notion that success is only attainable by distancing oneself from one’s cultural roots. Mama emphasizes that tradition and heritage should be celebrated and passed down from one generation to the next, regardless of societal opinions or trends.

Preserving Cultural Identity Through Quilts

In conclusion, “Everyday Use” showcases how quilts can serve as powerful symbols that represent a family’s cultural roots and legacy. They are not just functional items but also hold immense sentimental and historical value. Walker’s use of quilts in the story reminds us of the importance of preserving our cultural identity in a world that constantly pressures us to conform.

Through Mama’s decision to give the quilts to Maggie, Walker also highlights the importance of understanding and valuing our heritage over materialistic pursuits. Quilts continue to be an essential part of African-American culture, not just for keeping us warm but also for preserving our roots and passing down traditions. Therefore, they remain a symbol that represents pride, strength, and resistance against the erasure of cultural identity.

1. What do the quilts symbolize in “Everyday Use” by Alice Walker?

The quilts symbolize the conflicts between tradition and modernity, as well as the connection to ancestral roots and heritage.

2. How do the quilts represent the theme of cultural identity in “Everyday Use”?

The quilts represent how different characters in the story view and value their cultural identity, with Dee wanting to display them as a symbol of African culture while Mama and Maggie see them as practical items with personal meaning.

3. What is the significance of the different patterns used in the quilts?

The different patterns used in the quilts represent generations of family history and tradition, with each pattern holding a specific meaning and telling a unique story.

4. How does Mama’s decision to give the quilts to Maggie instead of Dee add to their symbolism?

Mama’s decision highlights the idea that true appreciation for one’s cultural heritage comes from living it every day and not just displaying it, making the quilts even more valuable as a representation of their family’s history.

5. Why does Dee want to take the quilts even though she previously rejected them?

Dee’s desire for the quilts can be seen as a superficial attempt to connect with her African roots and showcase a sense of identity, without truly understanding or valuing their significance within her own family’s history.

6. In what ways do the quilts reveal Mama’s character development throughout the story?

Mama’s choice to keep and use the old, worn-out parts of her grandmother’s clothes in making new quilts demonstrates her understanding and acceptance of true cultural heritage, reflecting her growth from feeling ashamed of their humble beginnings to embracing and valuing their family roots.

In Alice Walker’s “Everyday Use,” the quilts hold immense significance as they symbolize familial heritage, cultural identity, and tradition. Through the two contrasting characters of Dee and Maggie, Walker explores how these quilts represent two different approaches to valuing one’s heritage. Dee, the older daughter, sees the quilts as merely decorative items with no real meaning or connection to her past. On the other hand, Maggie understands the deeper symbolism of the quilts and treasures them as a tangible link to her ancestors.

The quilts serve as a physical manifestation of the family’s history and struggles, passed down through generations. They reflect the strength and resilience of African American women who used this traditional form of art to share their stories and preserve their culture. The careful selection of fabric scraps from different eras and cultures further highlights the diversity and complexity of their identities.

Moreover, the conflict over the ownership of the quilts also reveals how material possessions can cause tension within families when there is a lack of understanding or appreciation for their significance. Dee’s desire to display them as an exotic object in her home is a sign of her detachment from her roots, while Maggie’s eagerness to continue using them for their intended purpose reflects her deep connection to her heritage.

Ultimately, Walker uses

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Jill Nammar
My name is Jill but everyone calls me Jilly. I design original cross stitch patterns inspired by vintage French and flowers. Roses are my muse.
I hope you have a cozy time stitching my patterns. Put the kettle on, relax and create a heartwarming piece of hand-embroidered art. Personalize your home and turn up the soulful charm with soulful stitchery.

My goal is to provide you with pretty patterns that promote peaceful stitching. My wish is for you to discover the gentle beauty of hand-embroidery.My patterns have been featured around the web and in Homespun Magazine and Boston Magazine. I find my bliss in cross stitch.

From 2024, I have embarked on a new venture—writing an informative blog on the “Embroidery and Cross-Stitch” niche. This blog is an extension of my passion, where I share detailed posts and respond to queries related to embroidery and cross-stitching.

The blog covers a wide range of topics from beginner tips, pattern creation, historical insights, and the therapeutic benefits of stitching. My goal is to build a community where enthusiasts can learn, share, and grow in their embroidery skills, ensuring everyone can find their own bliss in cross-stitch just as I did.

Thank you to all my customers and readers who have supported Sew French. Your kind emails, photos of completed patterns, and continual encouragement fuel my dedication to this beautiful craft. Join me in stitching a world of beauty and peace, one pattern at a time.