Expanding the polar differences between the two, Maggie and Dee are foil characters in "Everday Use." Dee is one with no limits, making her family feel inferior to her by her wits and desire to forcefully read to them. Maggie, however, "stands hopelessly in corners, homely and ashamed of the burn scars..." while her sister consumes the light. Dee pays Maggie little if no attention growing up and Maggie watches "with a mixture of envy and awe." Dee selfishly returns, claiming items of the house as her own. A critical moment occurs as Dee (Waterango) snatches the quilts made by her grandmother with bits and pieces of the family's history. Meant to be Maggie's wedding present, Dee assumes she can take the quilts and use them as she wishes. Maggie selflessly gives her assent, accentuating a key difference in their characters. Selfless Maggie obtains the heritage, while selfish Dee leaves empty-handed.
For some reason, this story reminded me of the Prodigal Son in reverse. The more humble child ends up with the riches and the snotty child leaves with nothing.
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