Most families have some type of heirloom, whether it's jewelry, furniture, or other symbolic keepsakes passed down through generations. These objects remind us of the origins of our families. In “Everyday Use” by Alice Walker, the family treasures are the handmade quilts. In “Everyday Use,” each character symbolizes a different attitude toward African-American heritage. The story is likely set in the late 1960s. It was a time in history when African Americans were trying to create a new cultural identity. Mom represented older African American culture. Dee a new part of African-American culture. A culture that wants to reconnect with its African roots and move away from its ancient heritage. Maggie represents the In the story, we learn that Dee is a selfish and materialistic person. Early on in her visit to the house, we see how absorbed she is when instead of greeting her family, she takes photos of the house and her mother. On top of that, she is overdressed. Walker writes: “Dee wanted nice things. A yellow organdy dress to wear to high school graduation” (487). Afterward, when Dee came to visit, she was overdressed, as Mom said: "A floor-length dress, in this hot weather." A dress so loud it hurts my eyes. There are enough yellows and oranges to reflect the light. from the sun, I fell with my whole face warmed by the waves of heat it projects. Earrings too, golden, which hung from her shoulders. Bracelets that dangled and made noise when she moved her arm to push the folds of the dress out of her armpits. ". (488). She is more concerned about her aesthetic appearance than the usefulness of the system. Mom asks, "What happened to Dee?" (488) Mom gets her answer. Dee makes her point seen saying, “She is dead.” She explains that she is no longer defined by her former identity as Dee “I could no longer bear to bear the name of the people who oppressed me.”(488). is embarrassed by this because Dee is named after her aunt Dicie, who is named after her grandmother, who is named after her mother. Dee has become even more estranged from her family and her heritage. more focused on herself. She's blinded by the fact that these possessions have nothing to do with who she was or who she's becoming. When Dee goes to ask for the pigtails, she's manipulative about it." Mom," said Wangero, soft as a bird. "Can I have these old quilts?" (490) When she learns that Mom saved them for Maggie, she is outraged and explains that Maggie couldn't appreciate the quilts, she would use them for what they were really intended for. It is ironic that Dee asks Mom for the quilts when she had previously refused them. "I didn't want to bring up the fact that I gave Dee (Wangero) a quilt when she was going away to college. Then she told me they were out of style, out of fashion."(490). Dee's anger mounts and claims the quilts are priceless, seeing them as works of art while Mom sees them as having practical value. It is again mentioned that Maggie would use them for their true intention. "Maggie put them on the bed