Symbolism is the use of symbols to signify ideas and qualities by giving them symbolic meanings different from the literal meaning. Symbols are used all over the world, not only in stories, but they are also used to help people understand that certain chemicals can be toxic by showing a skull on them. Others may have a recycling symbol to help the environment. You may not notice these kinds of symbols, but if you pay close attention, you will understand how useful these items are. Deaf people understand the world much better by having these symbols on hand to help them understand what they are for, as they are not able to communicate with other people. Symbols are very useful when driving, they help us understand when to go, slow down and stop. Without these symbols, there would probably be more car accidents than there are today. The symbols also help us by having crossing guards and telling us when and where not to go, because without them it would reduce the number of deaths caused by other human beings. The symbols help alert doctors when a patient shows signs that something terrifying is happening. Without symbols, the world would be a little more complicated, because people wouldn't know what to do or where to go. Mama Johnson and Maggie receive a letter from Dee announcing that she is coming home for the first time in years. When Dee arrives, she looks different with all her bright clothes; she explains that she is a new woman. Dee and his friend, Hakim-A-Barber, both converted to Islam. Dee looks around her old house and asks to keep everyday objects as works of art. Eventually, she gets to the quilts their grandmother sewed and Dee doesn't want Maggie to have them, because she thinks they're not part of her heritage. Mama Johnson takes the middle of the paper and moves on.Works CitedAccessteacher. "What is the main symbolism in Alice Walker's 'Everyday Use'", Enotes. Np, August 31, 2010. Web. March 17, 2014.Bmad,Nick. "Symbolism in Walker's 'Everyday Use'?" » Enotes.Np, July 4, 2007. Web. March 17, 2014. Foleylan. “Conflict, irony, and symbolism in Alice Walker’s “Everyday Use.” “Student mode.” Np, June 2012. Web. March 17, 2014.Moore, Julie. “Heritage and Symbolism in Alice Walker’s “Everyday Use”” YAHOO! VOICE. Yahoo, Inc., May 2007. Web. March 17, 2014. Walker, Alice. “Everyday use” Heritage of American literature Ed. Miller Vol 2. Austin Harcourt Brace Jovanovich 1991. 714 editionWhite, David. "'Everyday Use': Defining African-American Heritage." » light fixture. AnninaJokinen, September 19, 2002 Web March 17, 2014.Writework Editors.Symbolism in 'Everyday Use' by ALICE Walker » Writework.Np, May 2006. Web. March 17 2014.