Stark contrast is the focus of Alice Walker's short story, "Everyday
             Use." While we may feel sympathy for Maggie in the beginning of the story,
             we feel admiration and respect for her by the story's end because she
             exhibits positive characteristics. On the other hand, early in the story,
             we perceive Dee to be an assertive young woman pursuing her dreams only to
             see her superficiality and selfishness.
             Dee expresses a confidence and a flair for life that her mother accepts
             but could never quite understands. For example, Dee chooses to leave her
             mother and sister to pursue a college education. We are also told that Dee
             "wanted nice things" (Walker 1423). Dee also changes her name while she is
             away at college to "Wangero Leewanika Kemanjo" (1425). Explaining to her
             mother that she could not bear "being named after the people who oppress
             me" (1425). Dee also seems to come home only to take things back with her.
             She notices the butter dish and tells her mother to take it along with the
             dasher. Then she rifles through her mother's trunk and asks for two quilts
             that are promised to Maggie. In response to this Dee says, "Maggie can't
             appreciate these quilts!" (1427). These scenes illustrate how Dee is only
             In contrast, Maggie is the less fortunate daughter. Maggie was burned
             in a house fire and has scars that cause her to meek and withdrawn. We are
             told that she walks like a "lame dog" (1423). She also holds her chin to
             her chest, looks at the ground, and shuffles her feet when she walks. We
             are know that Maggie is "not bright" (1423). However, Maggie shows
             incredible strength when she tells her mother that Dee can have her quilts.
             Interestingly, when Maggie does this, her mother realizes that she is not
             mad at her sister. This moment allows the mother to realize Maggie true
             nature. She tells us, "This was Maggie's portion. This was the way she
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