Here's why:
* The quilts represent family history and legacy: The quilts are more than just fabric; they are woven with the stories, memories, and hard work of generations of women in the family. They symbolize the narrator's heritage and her connection to her ancestors.
* Maggie's gesture seems selfless but highlights the power dynamic: Maggie's willingness to give up the quilts to Dee shows her love and deference to her sister, but it also emphasizes the power imbalance between the two. Dee is seen as more educated and sophisticated, and Maggie is seen as more humble and accepting.
* The narrator's own hopes are dashed: The narrator had planned to give the quilts to Maggie, who she believed would truly appreciate their meaning and use them in her everyday life. Dee, in the narrator's eyes, would treat them as mere objects, hanging them up as "art" instead of using them for their intended purpose.
The narrator's reaction is a mixture of sadness, anger, and frustration. She feels betrayed by Maggie's offer and disappointed that Dee doesn't understand the true value of the quilts. It's a pivotal moment in the story, highlighting the complex dynamics between family, heritage, and cultural understanding.