Everyday Use

This short story was very peculiar to me.  When I first started reading it, I was confused as to who was narrating the story and where the story was going.   Once I figured out that the mother was narrating the story it began to make a little more sense, however Walker still eluded the audience as to where she was taking the story for quite some time.  We don’t really find out until the end why the short story is titled Everyday Use.

Although Dee comes across as very selfish and conceited, I have a tendency to cling onto family heirlooms much like she does.  I have trouble throwing things away or using the items for their intended use if they are old and have significance to my heritage.  I can also see Maggie’s and her mother’s point as well though.  Many of the items I have kept over the years are simply collecting dust.  The original owners of the items would probably rather see them being useful for someone.