Question

Discuss the mother (the narrator) in this story. What kind of person is she? How does she seem to feel about Dee? About Maggie?

Answer 1

This question refers to the story "Everyday Use" by Alice Walker.

In this story, we meet Mama, who is the narrator of the story. Mama is a responsible, hard-working woman who raised her two daughters on her own. Throughout the text she demonstrates the inner strength that she has, as she is able to butcher hogs and milk cows. She is a practical, realistic woman.

Moreover, Mama loves her daughters deeply, but is also confused by them. This is especially the case with Dee, who Mama thinks is turning her back on her heritage and her family. She thinks that Dee feel superior to her family, and that she is not grateful enough for her upbringing. While she is critical of Maggie's shyness, she understands her better, and believes her to be more in  touch with who she is.