What do the quilts symbolize to Maggie?
The quilts serve as a testament to a family’s history of pride and struggle. With the limitations that poverty and lack of education placed on her life, Mama considers her personal history one of her few treasures. Her house contains the handicrafts of her extended family.
What is the literal meaning of the two quilts to Maggie and her mother?
The literal meaning of the two handmade quilts to Maggie and her mother was that they were household items to be used as they were intended; however, to Dee they were decorative pieces. Also, the quilts are, to Maggie, tangible items to honor her grandmother’s memory.
What do Maggie and Dee have in common?
Dee and Maggie also share the same heritage but have significantly different ideas on how they view and honor their ancestors. Dee does not inherently value the handmade items of her ancestors and is interested in the churn and antique quilts because they align with the current social trend of the time.
How is Dee different from Mama and Maggie?
According to Mama, how is Dee different from her and from Maggie? Dee is confident. She has lighter skin, nicer hair, and a fuller figure than Maggie. She is educated, wants nice things, and rejects her family heritage.
Does Maggie change in everyday use?
Answer and Explanation: In ”Everyday Use,” Maggie’s change is not as pronounced as the change in her mother, but she does appear to get over the hard feelings and anxiety…
Why does Maggie have a real smile at the end of the story?
Maggie smiles a genuine smile not because Mama gave her the quilts; she had already offered to give them up to Dee. The real reason she smiles is because Mama has stood up for her against her overbearing sister. This gives her a feeling of pride, self-worth, and camaraderie with her mother.
What does this was Maggie’s portion mean?
She looked at her sister with something like fear but she wasn’t mad at her. This was Maggie’s portion. This was the way she knew God to work. ( 75) The narrator sees that Maggie has basically resigned to accepting the injustices of the world, even relatively small injustices like her sister always getting everything.
What is the irony in everyday use?
Situational irony: It is ironic that Dee asks for the quilts at all, since she has so thoroughly rejected every other part of her heritage, from her style of dress to her name. No one would expect her to want the quilts. What does “Everyday Use” have in common with Walker’s novel The Color Purple?
What is the symbolism of the quilt in everyday use?
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.
Who is the protagonist in everyday use?
Who is the protagonist? Mama is the main character. Who is the antagonist? Dee causes the main conflict.