Why does the narrator give the quilts to Maggie?
Mama, the narrator, ultimately gives the family quilts to Maggie instead of Dee (Wangero) because she recognizes that Dee gets everything she wants, that she’s even already claimed the quilts as her own, because they were promised to Maggie, and because Maggie is the daughter who wants them for the right reasons.
What does Maggie say about the quilts?
What makes the quilts valuable to Dee, and what makes them valuable to Maggie? Dee values the quilts as a decoration showcasing her past “‘what would you do with them?’ ‘Hang them,’ she said. As if that was the only thing you could do with quilts” (8).
What changes for Mama Maggie and Dee as a result of Mama taking the quilts back from Dee What effect does this have on the characters and the story?
By taking back the quilts, she defies Dee and attempts to show Maggie that this is not how life needs to be. Mama has changed because this action gives worth and voice to herself and her daughter Maggie.
What prompts the narrator to refuse to give Dee the quilts she wants?
Explanation: The narrator refuse to give Dee the quilts she wants because Dee wants it to become fashionable and stylish. Dee is an educated African American woman who interested in her cultural heritage.
What terrible thing happened to Maggie when she was a child?
Severely burned in a house fire when she was a child, her scarred, ugly appearance hides her sympathetic, generous nature. She lives at home and is protected by Mama, remaining virtually untouched by the outside world.
Why does Mama refuse to let Dee take the quilts?
The mother’s refusal to let Dee have the quilts does indicate a permanent change in her character as this was building up for some time. She had never done anything like it before, because she has always admired Dee for her beauty and successfulness. The moments before Dee asks about the quilts, foreshadow the refusal.
Why does Dee think Maggie should not have the quilts?
Answer: because Maggie does not appreciate their artistic value. In “Everyday Use,” Dee believes that Maggie does not deserve to have the quilts that their grandmother made. Dee believes that the quilts are an artistic piece, and that they should not be devalued by using them everyday in the way Maggie would like to
Why is Dee angry at the end of the story?
At the end of the story, Dee, who was always brighter, better-looking, and favored, is angry because her mother refuses to give the quilts which she, Grandma Dee, and Big Dee made over the years.
What makes the quilts valuable to Maggie?
What makes the quilts valuable to Dee, and what makes them valuable to Maggie? Dee calls the quilts priceless, as she recognizes it as her heritage. for Maggie, the quilts are valuable for everyday use. she appreciates that they are the work of grandma Dee and big Dee, who taught her to quilt.
How do Maggie’s scars affect her life?
Maggie’s scars had made her grow into a shy young lady. She avoided contact from people she met, such as the instance when she was unable to accept a hug from Dee’s boyfriend. She lacked confidence in herself and was always intimidated by her sister, who she viewed as perfect.
Why do you think Mama is closer with Maggie than she is with Dee?
Why do you think Mama is closer with Maggie than she is with Dee? Mama is closer to Maggie because Maggie followed her mom’s foot steps. She was also living with her mother and she was passionate about using things for everyday use, unlike Dee who only used things for the purpose of art
How does Dee feel about Maggie?
Although Maggie is intimidated by her sister, she does not hesitate to demonstrate her displeasure when Dee asks to have the old quilts. She suggests that Maggie would not appreciate the quilts and would instead put them to everyday use. Dee feels a sense of entitlement, which defines her relationship with Maggie.
What is the conflict between Dee and Maggie over?
The conflict comes to a head from the juxtaposition of the characters’ motives for wanting various items: Mama and Maggie need these objects because they put them to “Everyday Use” and Dee in only interested in them so that she can show them off and put them on display.
Who saved Maggie from the house fire where they used to live?
Mama looks forward to Maggie’s marriage to John Thomas, after which Mama can peacefully relax and sing hymns at home. When Dee arrives, Mama grips Maggie to prevent her from running back into the house. Dee emerges from the car with her boyfriend, Hakim-a-barber.
Why does Maggie have a real smile at the end of the story?
Maggie has a real smile at the end of the story “Everyday Use” because she appreciates Mama coming to her defense and recognizes that she shares her feelings regarding their family’s heritage. Maggie also smiles because she feels worthy and has won a small victory against her successful, arrogant sister.
What does this was Maggie’s portion mean?
She speaks “like somebody used to never winning anything, or having anything reserved for her.” When Mama looks at Maggie, she sees that “This was Maggie’s portion. This was the way she knew God to work.” It is at this moment that Mama has her epiphany.
What does Maggie symbolize in everyday use?
Maggie, her sister, is a symbol of respect and passion for the past. Mama tells the story of her daughter Dee’s arrival. Told from first person narrative, Mama’s point of view offers an insight into the mother figure who appreciates her heritage while also representing a symbol of living history.
Does Maggie change in everyday use?
Maggie changes throughout the story in various important ways. At the beginning of the story, Maggie lacks confidence as she feels less pretty and intelligent than her sister Dee. Moreover, she longs for a connection with her Mama that she does not yet have
What is the relationship between Dee and Maggie?
The most basic relationship is that they are sisters. Dee is the older sister, Maggie the younger.
What is the main idea of everyday use?
In her short story “Everyday Use,” Alice Walker takes up what is a recurrent theme in her work: the representation of the harmony as well as the conflicts and struggles within African-American culture. “Everyday Use” focuses on an encounter between members of the rural Johnson family.
How old is Maggie in everyday use?
Although we don’t know for sure, I get the feeling she is only a couple of years younger than Dee due to the way she stands up for her feelings and rights to the quilts and butter churn when Dee comes home from college. So, I guess that would put her in the 18-20 year range.
What is the difference between Maggie and Dee in everyday use?
Maggie is “homely,” shy, and has scars from her burns. Dee is lighter, “with nicer hair and a fuller figure.” Maggie looks at Dee with “envy and awe.” Maggie feels that life has always been easier for Dee than for her.
Who is the antagonist in everyday use?
Dee is the antagonist in the story because her character lies in sharp contrast to the protagonist, Maggie. Dee is selfish and boisterous.
What is the significance of Mama remembering having been hooked in the side by a cow in 49?
While Mama never bothered to do the hard job, being hooked in the side by a cow lost her motivation to keep living the old way. This part signifies the moment that Mama gets tired and loses her love of her way of living
What does the quilt in everyday use symbolize?
In “Everyday Use” quilts represent the creativity, skill, and resourcefulness of African American women. Women like Grandma Dee used and reused whatever material they had at hand to create functional, beautiful items. Quilts also represent the Johnson family heritage in particular.
What is significant about the name Hakim a barber?
Hakim-a-barber is a Black Muslim whom Mama humorously refers to as Asalamalakim, the Arab greeting he offers them, meaning “peace be with you.” An innocuous presence, he is a short and stocky, with waist-length hair and a long, bushy beard.
Why does Dee want the churn top and the Dasher?
Dee wants the churn top and dasher because… they remind her of her upbringing. she needs them to churn butter.
Why does Dee change her name and style of dress?
Answer Expert Verified Dee sees no value in the things belonged to her grandmother or mother. She considers them as only things to promote her new identity. So she dislikes to carry her name which she considers to be slave’s. She also wanted to appear in a new identity and changes her dress syle
Why does Dee visit her mother and sister?
Dee comes to visit to appropriate many of the handmade items that Mama and Maggie use every day. After years of finding her family embarrassingly backward, Dee regards the objects that her family uses as precious, likely because someone in her rarefied circles has told her that these items are priceless antiques.
What is most likely the real reason Dee dresses differently?
In the short story “Everyday Use,” by Alice Walker, the real reason Dee dresses differently and changes her name to Wangero is most likely to show that she has overcome her poor childhood and the oppression of her family. Thus, she actually separates herself from her family heritage