Everyday Use

Olivia Wolff -
Describe the difference between Maggie and Dee's view on heritage.
       Dee believes that heritage is seen through objects (quilts, churns, etc.), while Maggie believes that heritage is able to be seen in other ways such as stories or memories. Dee might not recognize this because she doesn't have any memories because she didn't spend much time with her family. If she had spent more time with her family, she would have made more memories; therefore, she wouldn't need objects to see her heritage.

Emily Green-
What is the difference between Maggie and Dee's view of "everyday use?"
        Maggie believes in the importance of being resourceful and using what has been given to her. Dee believes that it is important to preserve old items and not use them for "everyday use." Instead, she would prefer to use newer items for "everyday use." Although Maggie has the ability to make new quilts which Dee does not, Mama recognizes that while a valuble piece of family history is being put at risk when Maggie is using them, she can easily make a new quilt which becomes a new piece of family history. She has the ability to create new family history while Dee merely wishes to pass on the same bit of family history.

Sarah Williamson-
When Dee changes her name, does she also change as a person? If so, tell how she changes.
         While Dee tries to change her attitude towards her family when she comes back with a new name, she ultimately proves herself to be the same person. She attempts to show her interest in her family history which she would not have previously done; however, she goes about this in the wrong way. She tries to show interest in her family's history through asking for the quilts, but Mama doesn't see this as showing interest. Instead, Mama sees this as being selfish and unsensitive. She believes she has changed inside; however, Mama and Maggie see that she has not changed at all.

Language and Style-
Walker constantly uses flashbacks of memory to explain the differences or similarities between the present and the past. The writer also refers to her ideal relationship with Dee, then flashes to her actual relationship with Dee. Walker discusses her ideal relationship with Dee in the form of a TV show where the mother and daughter hug and are happy, then she shows what happened instead.