Maggie, a character in Alice Walker’s short story “Everyday Use”, exhibits signs of nervousness primarily due to her traumatic past and her complex relationship with her family, especially her mother, Mama, and her sister, Dee.
Throughout the story, it’s clear that Maggie has faced significant hardships. She was scarred in a house fire that destroyed their previous home, which not only affected her physically but also impacted her emotionally and psychologically. This trauma has left her feeling insecure and self-conscious, particularly when compared to her more confident and assertive sister, Dee.
Moreover, Maggie’s nervousness is heightened during Dee’s visit, where Dee’s assertiveness and strong personality become a backdrop for Maggie’s own insecurities. Dee’s arrival shakes Maggie’s sense of security in her identity and place within the family. The tension between the sisters – with Dee representing a more modern, aggressive interpretation of heritage and Maggie embodying a quieter, more traditional connection – adds to Maggie’s unease.
Maggie’s nervousness symbolizes her struggle to assert her identity amidst the overwhelming presence of her sister and the memories of their shared past. Through this portrayal, Walker emphasizes themes of identity, heritage, and the impact of familial relationships.