Assignment Question
Explore the dynamics between choice and its effect on heritage in each story: “The Parable of the Lost Son” and “Everyday Use.” What does it mean to deny our heritage? What is heritage comprised of? What is lost in leaving one’s heritage? What might be gained?
Assignment Answer
he Dynamics of Choice and Its Impact on Heritage: A Comparative Analysis of “The Parable of the Lost Son” and “Everyday Use”
Introduction
Heritage is a multifaceted concept encompassing the traditions, values, beliefs, and artifacts passed down through generations. It is an integral part of one’s identity, shaping individual and collective consciousness. However, the dynamics between choice and heritage are complex, as individuals must make decisions about how they engage with their heritage. This essay will explore the themes of choice and heritage in two distinct narratives: “The Parable of the Lost Son” from the New Testament of the Bible and Alice Walker’s short story, “Everyday Use.” By analyzing these narratives, we will delve into the implications of denying one’s heritage, the composition of heritage, what is lost when one forsakes it, and what might be gained through embracing and preserving one’s cultural legacy.
“The Parable of the Lost Son”: A Biblical Perspective
“The Parable of the Lost Son,” also known as the “Parable of the Prodigal Son,” is a well-known story from the New Testament of the Bible, found in the book of Luke (Luke 15:11-32). This parable recounts the story of a wayward son who, against his father’s wishes, asks for his share of the inheritance and leaves his home to squander it on a life of excess and debauchery. Eventually, he finds himself in a dire state, working as a swineherd and struggling to survive. Realizing his mistake, he decides to return to his father, admitting his errors and hoping for forgiveness.
The parable underscores the theme of choice and its effect on heritage. The younger son’s decision to leave his family, squander his inheritance, and indulge in a life that contradicted his upbringing reflects a denial of his heritage. By requesting his share of the inheritance, he essentially disassociates himself from his family’s traditions, values, and way of life. He makes a conscious choice to abandon his heritage and, in doing so, severs a vital connection to his past and the heritage that has shaped him.
What Does It Mean to Deny One’s Heritage?
Denying one’s heritage, as demonstrated by the prodigal son in the parable, signifies a conscious rejection or abandonment of the values, traditions, and cultural aspects that have been passed down through generations. It involves a deliberate choice to distance oneself from one’s roots and the heritage that has played a role in shaping one’s identity. Denying one’s heritage can manifest in various ways, such as rejecting cultural practices, disavowing familial traditions, or distancing oneself from one’s cultural or religious background.
In the case of the prodigal son, his decision to leave his father’s house and spend his inheritance recklessly was a clear denial of his heritage. By doing so, he renounced the values and principles instilled in him by his family and community. His actions demonstrated a disregard for the heritage that had defined his identity, leading to a sense of disconnection and loss.
Heritage Composition
To understand the impact of denying one’s heritage, it is crucial to examine the composition of heritage itself. Heritage is not a monolithic entity; rather, it comprises a diverse range of elements that collectively define an individual’s or a group’s cultural and historical identity. Some fundamental components of heritage include:
- Cultural Traditions: Heritage includes the customs, rituals, and practices passed down from generation to generation. These traditions often reflect the cultural, religious, and social values of a community.
- Language: Language is a significant part of heritage, as it serves as a medium for transmitting culture, stories, and history. The loss of language can result in a profound disconnection from one’s heritage.
- Historical and Ancestral Knowledge: Heritage also encompasses knowledge of the past, including the history of one’s community and the wisdom of ancestors. This knowledge is vital for understanding the roots of one’s identity.
- Artifacts and Material Culture: Objects and artifacts that have been preserved and passed down through generations are part of heritage. These items often hold historical, cultural, and sentimental value.
- Belief Systems and Values: Heritage involves the belief systems and values that shape an individual’s worldview. These may be religious, ethical, or philosophical in nature.
- Community and Family Ties: The relationships within a community or family are central to heritage. These connections provide a sense of belonging and identity.
In the case of the prodigal son, his heritage was composed of the values and traditions upheld by his family, particularly his father. This included principles of responsibility, respect, and the importance of familial bonds. When he chose to leave and squander his inheritance, he effectively disregarded these fundamental elements of his heritage.
What Is Lost in Leaving One’s Heritage?
When an individual chooses to leave their heritage, several significant losses occur. These losses go beyond the material or tangible aspects and extend to the core of one’s identity and sense of belonging. Some of the key losses associated with leaving one’s heritage include:
- Cultural Identity: Departing from one’s heritage can result in a loss of cultural identity. Individuals who deny their heritage may struggle to connect with their cultural roots, leaving them feeling adrift and disconnected.
- Sense of Belonging: Heritage provides a sense of belonging within a community or family. When one forsakes their heritage, they often lose this sense of belonging and may experience isolation and alienation.
- Historical and Ancestral Knowledge: Leaving one’s heritage means forfeiting the knowledge and wisdom passed down through generations. This knowledge is essential for understanding one’s history and roots.
- Loss of Cultural Traditions: The rejection of cultural practices and traditions means that they may be lost or forgotten. These traditions often carry deep cultural and historical significance.
- Dissolution of Family Bonds: Denying one’s heritage can strain family relationships, leading to a breakdown in familial bonds. In the case of the prodigal son, his departure caused pain and estrangement within the family.
- Identity Crisis: Abandoning one’s heritage can lead to an identity crisis, as individuals may grapple with questions about who they are and where they come from.
In “The Parable of the Lost Son,” the prodigal son experienced several of these losses. He left his family and their values, leading to a loss of belonging and a sense of cultural identity. His decision also strained his relationship with his father and the rest of the family, resulting in an identity crisis.
What Might Be Gained by Returning to One’s Heritage?
While the denial of one’s heritage leads to significant losses, there are also potential gains in returning to and embracing one’s heritage. These gains are often characterized by a renewed sense of identity, belonging, and cultural enrichment. Some of the benefits of reconnecting with one’s heritage include:
- Reclaimed Identity: Reconnecting with one’s heritage allows individuals to reclaim their cultural identity and understand the cultural elements that shape their lives.
- Renewed Belonging: Embracing one’s heritage provides a renewed sense of belonging within a community or family. It can foster a deeper connection to one’s roots.
- Cultural Enrichment: Returning to one’s heritage offers the opportunity to learn about and participate in cultural practices, traditions, and rituals. This enrichment can be personally and emotionally fulfilling.
- Historical and Ancestral Connection: Reconnecting with one’s heritage provides access to historical and ancestral knowledge, fostering a deeper understanding of one’s roots and history.
- Strengthened Family Bonds: Returning to one’s heritage can also help mend strained family relationships and rebuild bonds.
- Identity Consolidation: Reembracing one’s heritage often results in an increased sense of self-assuredness and personal identity.
In the parable, the prodigal son’s return to his father symbolizes the potential gains associated with embracing one’s heritage. By recognizing his mistakes and returning to his family, he experienced a renewed sense of belonging and identity. His father’s forgiveness and acceptance demonstrated the power of reconciliation and the potential for healing through heritage.
“Everyday Use”: The Denial and Reclamation of Heritage
Alice Walker’s short story “Everyday Use” provides another perspective on the dynamics between choice and heritage. The narrative revolves around a mother and her two daughters, Dee and Maggie. Dee, the elder daughter, has returned to her family after a long absence, now identifying herself as “Wangero Leewanika Kemanjo.” She is enthusiastic about her African heritage and seeks to claim family heirlooms, such as quilts and other artifacts, for display. In contrast, her sister Maggie is more closely connected to their rural, African American heritage.
Denying Heritage in “Everyday Use”
In “Everyday Use,” the denial of heritage is depicted through Dee’s character. Dee has chosen to deny her African American heritage and instead embraces an idealized, romanticized version of African heritage. Her rejection of her family’s rural roots is evident in her name change and her desire to take family heirlooms as display pieces rather than for everyday use.
Dee’s denial of her heritage reflects a complex interplay between cultural identity and personal choice. She has chosen to distance herself from the struggles and simplicity of her family’s rural life, opting instead for a more fashionable and abstract notion of heritage. In doing so, she disregards the history, values, and lived experiences of her family.
The quilts, in particular, symbolize this denial of heritage. Dee views them as artistic artifacts to be displayed, while her mother and sister see them as practical items meant for everyday use. The quilts carry the stories and memories of generations of women in the family, making them a significant part of their heritage.
Reclamation of Heritage in “Everyday Use”
On the other hand, Maggie and the mother in “Everyday Use” represent the reclamation of heritage. They have chosen to remain connected to their rural African American roots and the practical, everyday aspects of their heritage. For them, the quilts are not just decorative objects but living pieces of their history and culture.
In the climax of the story, Maggie, who had initially agreed to let Dee have the quilts, decides to wrest them from her sister when she realizes that Dee’s intentions are not aligned with the family’s understanding of heritage. Maggie’s action signifies a reclaiming of their heritage and a refusal to let it be defined solely by Dee’s perspective.
The narrative suggests that heritage is not a fixed entity but a dynamic and evolving one. The act of reclamation is also a choice, and it underscores the importance of recognizing and preserving the cultural and familial heritage that is meaningful to an individual.
The Role of Material Artifacts in Heritage
The quilts in “Everyday Use” play a significant role in the story, as they represent the material artifacts of the family’s heritage. Material artifacts, such as heirlooms, photographs, clothing, and other objects, hold cultural and historical significance in the context of heritage. These objects often serve as tangible links to the past and are imbued with stories and memories.
The quilts in the story embody the family’s heritage and are an embodiment of the women’s artistic and cultural traditions. When Dee seeks to take the quilts, she sees them as aesthetic pieces, disconnected from their original purpose. In contrast, Maggie and the mother understand the quilts as functional items that carry the history of their family.
The quilts serve as a microcosm of the broader theme of choice and heritage in “Everyday Use.” The characters’ choices regarding the quilts reveal their different perspectives on heritage and its meaning. The mother and Maggie choose to maintain a practical, everyday connection to their heritage, while Dee initially chooses to deny her family’s heritage in favor of a more abstract and commodified version.
Conclusion
The dynamics between choice and heritage are intricate and multifaceted, as evident in the narratives of “The Parable of the Lost Son” and “Everyday Use.” Both stories explore the consequences of denying one’s heritage and the potential gains in reembracing it.
Denying one’s heritage involves a conscious choice to abandon the values, traditions, and cultural elements that have been passed down through generations. This denial can result in a profound loss of cultural identity, a sense of belonging, historical knowledge, and familial bonds.
On the other hand, reembracing one’s heritage leads to the reclamation of cultural identity, a renewed sense of belonging, cultural enrichment, historical connection, and strengthened familial relationships. These gains highlight the significance of heritage as a source of cultural and personal identity.
Heritage is a complex and evolving concept, encompassing cultural traditions, language, historical knowledge, material artifacts, and values. It is not a static entity but one that is shaped by individual choices and perspectives.
The stories of the prodigal son and the characters in “Everyday Use” exemplify how choices can shape one’s relationship with heritage. In the end, these narratives remind us that heritage is not a fixed or rigid concept but a living, evolving entity that individuals can choose to embrace or deny based on their values, beliefs, and personal journeys.
References
- The New International Version. (2011). Bible Gateway.
- Walker, A. (1973). “Everyday Use.” In “In Love & Trouble: Stories of Black Women.” Harcourt Brace Jovanovich.
