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Why did Dee change her name?
Dee changes her name to Wangero Leewanika Kemanjo in an attempt to embrace her African roots and redefine her identity. She argues that “Dee” is a white woman’s name, and she could no longer stand having a name associated with oppression. While Mama goes on to explain that Dee is a family name that goes back at least four generations, she refuses to believe that her real name reflects her heritage more truthfully than Wangero does.
How did Maggie get burned?
Maggie receives burns on her skin as a young girl when the family’s house catches fire and burns to the ground. Dee, who is outside the home, escapes the blaze unharmed and watches the destruction with an intense concentration. Given the fact that Dee hated the house, this reaction offers the possibility that perhaps she started the fire herself. Even if this is not the case, Dee’s apparent lack of concern for her mother and sister’s safety reflects the disconnect in their relationship.
Why does Mama give the quilts to Maggie?
Mama ultimately gives the quilts to Maggie instead of Dee because she knows that using them will allow Maggie to authentically embody their family’s cultural heritage. Even if the quilts do become worn out, she argues, Maggie can use her own knowledge of quilting to add to their rich legacy. Mama ultimately disagrees with Dee’s plans to display them, arguing that such a use is merely a superficial representation of culture and therefore not worth doing.
What do the quilts symbolize?
Beyond serving as the source of conflict for the story, the quilts represent the intergenerational link between the women in Mama’s family and the struggles they have endured. The individual pieces of the quilt come from the clothes of different family members, and stitching them together reflects the strong bond that these individuals have with each other. The care and respect that went into making these quilts reflects a genuine understanding of what it means to honor one’s heritage, and Dee’s behavior makes it clear that she does not deserve to possess a key symbol of the family history she otherwise rejects.
How does Mama feel about Dee?
While she cares about both of her daughters, Mama is also very explicit in pointing out their shortcomings. Before Dee’s arrival, she expresses frustration toward her oldest daughter’s apparent inability to express appreciation or support, emphasizing her selfishness. Mama tries to respect Dee’s wishes by calling her by her new name, Wangero, but eventually begins to resent the way in which she belittles their rural lifestyle. By the end of the story, Mama finally stands up to Dee’s demanding attitude by refusing to give her the quilts.
