In at least 150 words, explain the symbolism of the quilt in “everyday use.”

In Alice Walker's short story, "Everyday Use", the quilts symbolize the African-American culture that Mama embraces and Wangeroo (Dee) attempts to reject of trivialize. Wangeroo is appalled that Mama would give Maggie the quilts, because Maggie would put them to "everyday use" instead of treating them as artifacts from a bygone age. The quilts help illustrate the schism between Mama and Wangeroo, and their opposed ideas about heritage -- or Mama, the quilts symbolize family unity and shared history; for Wangeroo, the quilts symbolize a past of slavery and  oppression, objects to be put on display. When Mama gives the quilts to Maggie, it is a rejection of Wangeroo's attitude toward their shared heritage, but it is also a symbolic act -- the quilts, as symbols of family unity and history, are Maggie's birthright

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