Characters
Who is the narrator of the story?
Answer: Mama (Mrs. Johnson)
Where does the story take place?
Rural Southern yard/home
“I can ‘member Grandma Dee without the quilts.” — Who says this?
Maggie
What do the quilts represent?
Family heritage and tradition
What is the main theme of the story?
Heritage is lived, not displayed
Which daughter is shy and scarred from a fire?
Answer: Maggie
What major event shaped Maggie’s appearance?
House fire
What does this quote suggest about Maggie?
She values lived experience over objects
What does the butter churn symbolize?
Practical family history / labor
How do Maggie and Dee differ in their views of heritage?
Maggie lives it; Dee displays it
Which daughter changes her name to reflect her heritage?
Answer: Dee (Wangero)
Why does Dee come back home?
Answer: To visit and reconnect with her “heritage”
“You just don’t understand… your heritage.” — Who says this?
Dee
What does Maggie symbolize?
Living heritage / tradition
Why is Mama’s final decision important?
Shows growth and recognition of true heritage
What is Hakim-a-barber’s role in the story?
Answer: Dee’s companion / represents cultural identity shift
What item does Dee specifically want that causes conflict?
The quilts
What does Dee mean by “heritage” in this quote?
Objects, culture as display, aesthetics
What does Dee symbolize?
Superficial or performative heritage
How does Alice Walker use contrast in the story?
Through Maggie vs. Dee
How does Mama describe herself physically?
Answer: Large, strong, working woman (man-like hands, hardworking)
What surprising decision does Mama make at the end?
Gives the quilts to Maggie instead of Dee
What is ironic about Dee’s understanding of heritage?
She rejects her roots while claiming to value them
What does the burned house symbolize?
Past trauma and contrast between sisters
What message is Walker sending about identity?
Identity comes from experience, not appearance