The article offers criticism on the short story "Everyday Use" by African-American author Alice Walker. The author focuses on themes of idealism and pragmatism in the story and discusses the character of Hakim as a Black Muslim, the character of Dee/Wangero as the antagonist, and the characters of Maggie and the mother.
Alice Walker's short story 'Everyday Use' examines the issue of how African Americans become separated from what culturally defines them. The main character's intelligence blinds her to the importance of ordinary objects as cultural markers. The alternative to such a narrow view is a living tradition that preserves heritage.
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