Final answer:
Maggie is a symbol of Twyla and Roberta’s shared past and the subjectivity of memory. Dee takes Polaroids and changes her name to reconnect with her heritage and assert her identity, while the quilt represents a connection to family history with differing attitudes towards it from Dee and Magee.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the context of the novel, Maggie represents a point of contention and a symbol of the shared but differently interpreted past between Twyla and Roberta. The two characters have different memories of Maggie, the mute kitchen worker at the shelter where they stayed as children, which could symbolize the ways in which people recall their shared experiences through the lenses of their individual backgrounds and current situations.
Twyla remembers Maggie as a silent figure whom the gar girls tripped, while Roberta remembers the incident as more violent, with the gar girls actually kicking Maggie. These conflicting memories may highlight the complexities of memory and identity, as both characters struggle with their past and how they perceive themselves.
Dee's actions in the story, such as taking Polaroids and changing her name, signify her desire to reconnect with her African heritage and to assert her new identity. The quilt, a family heirloom, represents a tangible connection to her family's history. Dee wants it for its cultural and aesthetic value, whereas her sister, Magee, values it for its personal and family significance. The tension between the sisters reflects differing views on heritage and tradition.