In the short story, "Everyday Use," author, Alice Walkers explores a family's struggle to preserve their values and identities as they incorporate new ideals, systems and beliefs. The relationship between the main character, Mother, who values a simple life, and her daughter, Dee, whose quest for enlightenment becomes a journey of denial and degradation, develops into an opportunity to teach the youngest daughter, Maggie, values and pride.

Mother cherishes family and community. She takes prides in her yard in which many people socialize and relax. Her hands reveal tireless labor. She is a hard worker, who loves her children who will do anything to manifest their desires (Walker, 116). For example, Dee's mother does not value education; she did not excelled past the second grade (116); however, because Dee uses education to measure her worth, Mother and the church they belonged to raise monies for Dee to attend Augusta, a...