Everyday Use Identity Analysis

The theme of identity is evident within each character in the story Everyday Use by Alice Walker. Although Maggie’s character within the story was described as being quiet, uneducated, and timid, she displayed more character than her well-educated and well versed sister. Everyday Use paints a very distinct picture of the three main character identity within the story, in which Maggie felt inferior to her sister; however, she unknowingly displayed more character then Dee. Specifically, Maggie portrays a true sense of identity because she is kind and dutiful. Her sister Dee, on the other hand, only has her physical appearance and education to show. True identity is from within rather than what someone wears or how much knowledge they acquire. …show more content…
It is almost like being raised in the back woods all your life and then going to Paris. This cultural shock causes Maggie to feel uncomfortable because of the way that she dresses, the way that she speaks, and her lack of knowledge. Dee brought the culture she now embodies back home, believing that she has her own identity that is set apart from her family. According to Stuart Hall’s text, “Cultural Identity and Diaspora”, “Instead of thinking of identity as an already accomplished fact… we should think, instead, of identity as a production, which is never complete” (Hall, 222). Because of Maggie’s humility she understood that she had not arrived at her best. She understood that she still had to go through a process of development, hence, she was soon to marry while Dee was shacking. Maggie is characterized in the story as nervous, shy, silent, and even compared to a lame dog. Her presence throughout the story was very silent, yet powerful. Although she walked with her head down, feet dragging the ground, and eyes to the floor; she was kindhearted and selfless. When challenged with Dee taking her quilts that had been promised to her, she was willing to let her have