This is an essay based off the short story "Every Day Use" and the symbolism of the quilts

Through distinct family members and views in "Everyday Use", Alice Walker demonstrates the significance of understanding our present life in relation to the traditions of our own people and culture. Using careful images and attitudes, Walker demonstrates which factors play a part to the values of one's tradition and culture; she illustrates that these are represented not by the possession of objects or sheer appearances, but by one's lifestyle and attitude. In "Everyday Use" Walker …

…enough to put them to everyday use"(359). Maggie receives the quilts from her Mama not just for a wedding present, but also due to the fact that she understands the importance of the quilts. Through "Everyday Use" Walker shows that one's culture and heritage are taught from one generation to the next, not suddenly picked up or acquired. A person who possesses real heritage and culture make use of it every day of their life.