Everyday Use

The characters in this novel are all in the same family. There is a mother who seems to take special pride in her daughter Dee, and another daughter Maggie. Dee arrives back at home and expects to have things remain the same as they were when she left. This meaning that her mother would adore her and only her. However, when they start to discuss the quilts, her mother stands up for Maggie. Dee says that Maggie would be dumb enough to put them to everyday use. This is where our title comes in. The quilts hold special respect in the household and for the mother to deny them to Dee is a drastic change in the mother. As readers, we start to notice that she appreciates both of her children. Dee is a character who feels as though she runs the show. She has the attitude of what she says goes and thats that. Her mother used to oblige to this rule, however, not anymore.