Short Stories: Characterization: 1

"I can use the churn top as a centerpiece for the alcove table," she said, sliding a plate over the churn, "and I'll think of something artistic to do with the dasher." (179)

This quote highlights the contrast between the characters of Dee and Mama in "Everyday Use." Dee sees things as valuable decorations and is only concerned with how things look. Mama uses things for their intended purpose and uses them for things she needs. This difference is evident when Dee is taking the butter churn. Her mother uses it to make butter for her and Maggie. Dee wants to use it merely as a decoration. A similar situation occurs when Dee tries to take the quilts because she wants to hang them. She sees this as the only logical thing to do with them. However, Mama and Maggie intended to use them for warmth. In this way, Maggie and Mama can be seen as practical, while Dee is a spoiled brat who is merely concerned with herself. She is more concerned with how things look than the uses of things. Mama and Maggie need those things because they will actually use them. Dee is merely wasting the things and beeing way too greedy.