In Alice Walker’s short story “Everyday Use,” the internal conflict primarily revolves around the character of Mama and her struggle with her identity and values regarding heritage and family. Mama, who represents traditional values and a deep connection to her ancestry, finds herself at odds with her daughter Dee (Wangero), who has adopted a more modern, flashy interpretation of their heritage.
This internal confusion intensifies as Mama contemplates her relationship with her daughters. On one side, you have Dee, who embraces her African roots in a way that feels almost removed from the true essence of their family’s history. She seeks to showcase their heritage as a form of art rather than living it in everyday life. Conversely, Mama feels a strong bond with her other daughter, Maggie, who embodies the true spirit of their family’s traditions and struggles. Mama’s internal conflict comes from her desire to honor both of her daughters while grappling with her own understanding of what heritage means.
Ultimately, this internal conflict highlights themes of identity, cultural heritage, and the differing perspectives on what it means to be connected to one’s roots. Mama’s journey is one of reconciling her feelings and finding a sense of belonging, making her conflict relatable and deeply human.