The Narrator (Mama):
* Respect for Heritage: Mama has a deeply ingrained sense of respect for their family heritage. She understands and values the practical, everyday uses of traditional items like quilts and butter churners. She sees them as essential to her family's history and way of life.
* Connection to the Past: Mama is deeply connected to the past. She values the memories associated with her family's possessions and cherishes the traditions passed down through generations.
* Practicality and Simplicity: Mama is grounded and practical. She values hard work, simple living, and the importance of family unity. She sees Dee's desire to re-imagine their history as disrespectful and out of touch.
* Deep Love for Maggie: Mama has a strong and nurturing relationship with her younger daughter, Maggie. She understands Maggie's shyness and quietness, seeing her as gentle and accepting.
Dee (Wangero Leewanika Kemanjo):
* Disrespectful of Heritage: Dee rejects her family name and heritage, changing it to Wangero and adopting a more African-sounding name. She sees their family history as a burden and something to be "reclaimed."
* Distant from the Past: Dee is more interested in the aesthetic and symbolic value of her family's history than in its practical usage. She wants to display these objects as symbols of her heritage, not as tools for daily life.
* Idealized and Romantic View: Dee has a romanticized and idealized view of her heritage. She sees it as exotic and different from her own life, rather than a lived and evolving tradition.
* Distance from Maggie: Dee shows little understanding or empathy for Maggie. She seems to view Maggie as inferior and not worthy of her attention or affection.
The Grandmother:
* The grandmother, though not directly present in the story, serves as a symbolic figure for Mama. She represents the continuity of family tradition and the values that Mama upholds.
In Conclusion:
The conflict between Mama and Dee stems from their opposing views on their family's heritage. Mama cherishes the practical and lived history of their family, while Dee seeks to re-interpret it for a more modern and aesthetic purpose. Their clash highlights the complexities of cultural identity and the importance of understanding and respecting one's past.