Everyday Use by Alice Walker

In Everyday Use, author Alice Walker devotes much of the story to characterization. The reader is moved with sympathy as the back story of the mother and Maggie, their many hardships and heartbreaks. However,  a wholly different emotion is felt for the older sister, Dee. It is clear from the beginning Dee causes her mother heartache, as the mother compares their relationship to those of the reuniting families on television, and yearns for that moment with her daughter. Dee seems ashamed and ungrateful for her family's life. When Dee is finally introduced, it is clear is looks only at what can be gained, not the sentimental value. Her character invokes nothing but annoyance from the reader.

It is because of this annoyance that the mother's victory over the quilt situation seems so drastic to the reader. The quilts are important, they symbolize the way life has always been in the family. Dee wants something, Maggie gives in. Maggie seems resigned to the cycle, not even bothering to fight back. When the mother finally steps in and bestows Maggie with the quilts, she restores balance to the relationship, and puts the snobby older girl in her place!