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In this country today, families have its similarities and differences between families in the past. Many family problems and situations are the same, but with a different setting. There are also many things that can be cherished and sacred to almost any family, and one is heritage. Many parents from the past to the future believe that its their right, as well as their children, to let them know what kind of family background they come from. The matter of how important heritage is to a family is varied.
Some believe their actions are defined by their ancestral traits. For example, some may say they have inherited a trait like being stubborn or witty like a past relative. Though, others have no real interest in their family backgrounds. In Alice Walkers Everyday Use, heritage is symbolized differently in both Maggie and Dees eyes. Both daughters have contrasting behaviors, as well as their opinions on the quilts. Mama is the connection between Dee and Maggie, but she is closer to Maggie for all her characteristics are similar to herself.
Mama and Maggie symbolize the connection between generations and heritage that passed between them. What happen between them are a tradition as well as a heritage they both learn from past ancestors. Walker also symbolizes Maggie as a type of heritage to Mama herself. Passing down her traditions to Maggie was taught through past generations.
As Mama explains to Dee, Maggie knows what her heritage is, She can always make some more; Maggie knows how to quilt. (Walker, 49), but Dee chooses not to know or even want to know what Maggie is capable of doing. The characteristic that Maggie has is vulnerability and she becomes very self-conscious of her inward, as well as outward appearance. She shows how insecure she is through her actions; she will stand hopelessly in corners, homely and ashamed of the burn scars down her arms and legs (Walker, 43). Maggie kept to herself and did what she is told. Mama and Maggie both live in a run-down home that was out of reach to the present day society.
Both were not educated in schools, but were taught by another tradition through their ancestors, which was learning from their surroundings. Mama had few emotions of pursuing Dees life, but was also content with her own. Maggie just did what she was told and stayed where her mother lived. She envied Dee for her outward appearance, but by staying where she was born, she was taught to live life through the experiences of her ancestors, and the traditions she learns from her mother. Heritage in Dees eyes are seen differently from Mama and Maggie.
She symbolizes heritage as a materialistic object. It should be observed and looked upon, but not lived through. Her behavior can explain how she views what heritage should really mean. Mama explains in the beginning how Dee was very different to Maggie and herself. She was lighter than Maggie, with finer hair, and a fuller body.
She was described as confident and beautiful, unlike Maggie who was scared and Mama who was rough like. Both Mama and Maggie knew Dee was different; She wanted nice things. At sixteen she had a style of her own: and knew what style was. (Walker, 45). She continued her education, which symbolizes her out reach to society, getting out there and wanting to be known. Her mother knew how determined she was, She was determined to stare down any disaster in her efforts. Her eyelids would not flicker for minutes at a time. (Walker, 45).
She attempts to reconnect with her heritage when she comes to visit. This visit symbolizes her misconception on heritage. Taking pictures of the family in front of the house, and the churn top that was made by a late uncle were items that have a piece of history of their family. Dee thinks of these things as heritage, but thinks nothing of them while growing up. Her views, at the time, were to show how rooted she is in her heritage not only to her family, but to her so-called friends, I can use the churn top as a centerpiece for the alcove table, and Ill think of something artistic to do with the dasher. (Walker, 48).
Mama allows her to take these things for they are not as precious as the quilts. Dees need to have the quilts contrast with the traditions Mama has with Maggie. Dee says, with a proud emotion in her tone, how the quilts were hand stitched and learns some pieces were from their great grandmothers dresses, stating the fact of how these quilts symbolize an important part of heritage to Dee. When Mama tells Dee that she plans on giving the quilts to Maggie as a wedding present, she almost says anything for that not to happen.
She believes that Maggie has no appreciation for such priceless things and infers that she will put them to everyday use. She even tries to make Mama feel guilty for not giving the quilts to her, She can have them, Mama; I can member Grandma Dee without the quilts. (Walker, 49). She plans to hang them to display to others what her heritage is, but not to know the history that comes with it. Being taught by her mother and grandmother, Maggie carries the tradition of quilting as well as the quilts itself. Quilting is more of an important tradition to pass on than to just know how priceless it is.
By giving the quilts to Maggie, Mama knows the connection of heritage will continue to exist in the future. Heritage to Mama and Dee were symbolized differently between each other. Dee wants to preserve heritage and believes that they are objects to be observed and looked upon. She does not see the knowledge and history behind the items, and for that fact alone; her idea of heritage is not considered heritage anymore, but materialistic things that can one day be destroyed.
To Mama, tradition is a very important part to learning ones heritage. Dee has not yet experienced that in the outside world, but Maggie has come in full contact with it at home. She criticizes Mama for not know what heritage really means, but that is where Dee fails to realize her own heritage. Even though she has learned to live life with no boundaries, she has not yet crossed the level of self-understanding.
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Research essay sample on Mama And Maggie Outward Appearance
