Like Holman, one of Walker's messages in "Everyday Use" is found through irony. The irony in this short story is focused primarily upon the character of Dee. Throughout her childhood and adolescence, Dee expresses a deep desire to leave behind her world and go in search of one that she could be proud of. In fact, she does find a world that she is probably more suited for. However, in this, she discovers that her race and history is not something to take shame in.
Her mother (and therefore, the audience) have the idea that Dee has no respect for the aspects that make up her culture. In the story, the reader learns she was not protective of her sister and refused to take a quilt. Because of this, her mother makes little attempt to show her the richness and beauty that can be found within her roots. Fortunately, Dee seems to grasp the idea on her own that one's origins are something to be proud of or at least recognize. She expresses sentiment to her sister by telling Maggie to put herself out there in the world. She now wants the quilts and even verbally appreciates "the benches her daddy made for the table when we couldn't afford to buy chairs" (Walker).
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