Everyday Use, Alice Walker: Summary & Analysis

'Everyday Use' is a widely acclaimed short story by Alice Walker, capturing the complexities of family dynamics and heritage in the African-American community. Originally published in Harper's Magazine in 1973, the story found a place in Walker's collection of short stories titled 'In Love and Trouble.' Plot Summary The short story "Everyday Use" is narrated in the first person by Mrs. Johnson, a large African-American woman who has two daughters, Dee (the elder) and Maggie (the younger). While Maggie shares many of her mother's views and lacks confidence, Dee is different and more independent. Dee's Education and Return Mrs. Johnson explains how she and the local church collected funds to send Dee to school for an education. When Dee returned, she read stories to her mother and sister. Mrs. Johnson admits that she didn't have much education herself as her school was closed down, and Maggie, though able to read, has poor eyesight and isn&#…