Lost Heritage
By contrasting the family characters in "Everyday Use," Walker illustrates the mistake made by some people of placing the significance of heritage solely in material objects. Walker presents Mama and Maggie, the younger daughter, as an example that heritage, in both knowledge and form, passes from one generation to another through learning and experience. To them, heritage is something that a person lives, and is made up of family members, and the knowledge that gets passed down from them. However, Dee, the eldest daughter, represents a misconception of heritage, or a false heritage. She believes her heritage lies in her African roots from the distant past. She does not think that her family is a part of her heritage, only the objects they possess. During Dee's visit to Mama and Maggie, the contrast of the characters becomes a conflict. Dee misplaces the significance of her true heritage in her desire for what she believes is her racial heritage. Mama and Maggie symbolize the connection between generations and the true heritage that passes between them. Mama and Maggie continue to live together happily in their humble home. Mama is a robust woman who does what is needed to maintain the upkeep of the land
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Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 1066
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)
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