Reading Focus Quick Check

1) Mama notes how Dee always desired more than what she possessed, which set her apart from . As Mama states on page 118, "Dee wanted nice things." The things she desired were obviously greater than Mama, a simple country farmer, could afford, and it would not have mattered if Mama had those luxuries anyways, since they would be of little pragmatic application in her life. The main thing that sets Dee apart from Mama is her desire for something better, for luxury, where Mama is more practical. Dee is also different from Maggie in her elegance, figure, and stature. She has more confidence and ambition, and is not timorous like Maggie.

2) Maggie would have put the quilt to a practical use; actually using it for covers at night. Dee, however, would have desired to put the quilt on display, as a symbol of her heritage. I find it slightly ironic that Dee is proud of her heritage, as she has become so contemporary, and her real faith and pride in her heritage is quite superficial and lacks true value to her life.

3) The story's title is "Everyday Use." This is significant because it recognizes the contrast between Dee (or "Wangero," as she is now called) and Mama. Dee desired wealth and luxury, and believed heritage was for display because of its price value. Mama believed more of pragmatic and practical living. She did not take price value into account when she examined the quilt for herself. She saw the intrinsic value behind the quilts; that they were good bed covers. The title displays the contrast between the mother and daughter.