Studying the short story "Everyday Use" by Alice Walker, I was puzzled by the character of Dee. The point of view is from her mother, which is why the beginning was so confusing! At first, I get the impression that the mother is envious of Dee, but later on it becomes more and more clear that Dee is the problem. She dropped everything and ran the second she got the chance, changed her name, showed her selfishness, and showed incredible rudeness to her family. I think these things describe an antagonist.
The most obvious example, and the moment when I think we see Dee's character come out the most, would be the incident with the quilts. Dee is used to getting what she wants, and clearly manipulates her family whenever she gets the opportunity. "' This churn top is what I need'","'And I want the dasher, too'" (Walker) are a few of the examples of the items in her mother's house that she wants and takes. However, when she is told no to the quilts, it was obvious she was not used to not being given what she wants. She accused her sister of being able to appreciate the quilts, and not putting them to the right use, when actually it's the opposite. Maggie would use them and give them the love they deserve, while Dee only wants them for show. Lastly, when Dee accuses her mom of not knowing her own heritage, it shows how truly self-centered she is, and completely oblivious to the feelings of those around her.
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