Question

In Alice Walker's "Everyday Use," what does Dee mean when she says, "Maggie can't appreciate these quilts! She'd probably be backward enough to put them to everyday use."?
A. Dee thinks that the quilts are works of art that are too precious for everyday use.
B. Dee believes that Maggie will damage the quilts by using them every day.
C. Dee thinks that the quilts will last longer if they are always on someone's bed.
D. Dee believes that the quilts will match her home better than they would Maggie's home.

Answer 1

Answer:

A.

Explanation:

Using the word "appreciate" would make me believe that the quilts are high value to Dee, so it would make sense that she thinks they are precious. If Maggie is "backward" then she wouldn't understand that special things should not be used every day.

Answer 2

Answer:

The correct answer is B: Dee believes that Maggie will damage the quilts by using them everyday.

Explanation:

The key word here is 'backward'. Maggie is the shy sister who stayed home and didn't have the chance to get an education. Dee adresses her as 'backward' because she believes Maggie is old-fashioned and behind in time for not going out to the big city and learn. Dee thinks that Maggie doesn't know aynthing about their historical heritage as black women and thus will ruin the quilts by putting them to everyday use.