Final answer:
In 'Everyday Use' by Alice Walker, Maggie and Dee have different perspectives on their family's past and belongings. Maggie cares more about the family's past, while Dee is focused on herself and her own desires. The quilt represents the family's heritage and tradition.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the story 'Everyday Use' by Alice Walker, Maggie and Dee have different perspectives on their family's past and their belongings. Maggie appears to have a deeper understanding and care for their family's past, while Dee is more focused on her own desires and self-image. When Dee takes the Polaroids and changes her name, it signifies her desire to distance herself from her roots and create a new identity.
The quilt in the story represents the family's heritage and tradition. It is a symbol of the family's history and is made up of pieces of fabric from their ancestors' clothing. Maggie is interested in the quilt because she values their family's history and wants to preserve it, while Dee is interested in it as a decoration or artistic statement.
In the conflict over the quilt, Mama sides with Maggie because she understands and values their family's past. Mama sees the quilt as something that belongs to Maggie, who will continue to cherish and use it in their everyday lives.