What are the literary strengths or weaknesses of "Everyday Use" by Alice Walker?

Alice Walker has won awards and is known for her
contributions to modern American literature as someone who gave a voice to African
American women.  Through novels, short stories, poetry, essays, and
even children's literature, she has maintained a focus on many themes, including
heritage, empowerment, and truth to self.  "Everyday Use" is no
exception.

In order to examine this short story for its
"strengths" I encourage you to choose one theme (or subject) that is portrayed and
examine it through Walker's use of different literary elements.  Certainly, the
point-of-view is noteworthy.  Using the first person perspective
(common of Walker) takes the reader directly into the heart and head of one of the main
characters.  As a result, the diction (or word-choice) and
attitude (or tone) tend to be even more authentic.  You could also
add the use of figures of speech to your analysis.  If you want to
take a more broad approach, you might look at the difference between the characters, the
conflicts, and the resolution to these conflicts.

I
personally find it difficult to critique the weaknesses of a well-known, well-liked,
highly respected, and widely published author like Alice Walker.  To find weakness in
any of her published works, to me, would be presumptuous, as I am by no means an
expert.  If your assignment dictates that you must speak about both strengths and
weaknesses, you could always approach the weaknesses from your own thoughts
and opinions.  For example, you could discuss any part of the story that you
didn't like, and why.  You could also discuss anything that seemed particularly
confusing.  Perhaps the confusion will lead you to something you consider a literary
weakness in the story.