Everyday Use Reading Quiz

The story of Everyday Use is told through the eyes of-

• Maggie

• Mama

• Dee

• Hakim-a-barber

How are Mama and Maggie alike?

• They both enjoy doing the outside work

• They’re both big-boned and masculine women

• They both value their family heritage

• They both walk like a “lame animal”

Which of the following can you infer about Maggie?

• She is eager to see her sister.

• She misses the old house.

• She’s been unsure of herself for years.

• She will soon sell the quilts Mama gave her.

What is the conflict between Dee and Maggie over?

• The differences in their styles of clothes

• Which quilt is worth the most money

• Where their mother should live

• Who will get the family’s quilts

Dee doesn’t want to bring her friends to Mama’s house because

• The house is not well kept

• Dee is ashamed of how Mama lives

• Dee has no friends

• The house is difficult to reach

Mama’s

attitude toward appearances is that she

• Envies Dee for her fine clothes

• Is ashamed of how Maggie looks

• Is comfortable with her looks

• Secretly wants to own nice clothes

The end of the story suggests that Maggie

• Thought Dee was comical

• Felt relieved that she could sell the quilts

• Finally knew her mother liked her better

• Was content to be who she was

Based on the following description of Dee, which inference can you make about her?

“She used to read to us without pity; forcing words, lies, other folks’ habits, whole lives upon us two, sitting trapped and ignorant underneath her voice.”

• She knew how important it was to educate her mother and sister

• The stories she told were meant to frighten her family and keep them awake at night.

• Dee found many ways to show her mother and sister that she was smarter than they were.

• Because she could read so well, Dee probably would make a good teacher.

Why do Dee and Mama disagree?

• Mama places little value on education or hard work.

• They have different ideas about what is important in life.

• Mama resents Dee for setting the fire that burned down their first house.

• Dee and Mama both want everything for themselves.

Dee wants the old family quilts because

• New quilts are too expensive, and she cannot afford to buy them

• They represent her family’s history and they remind her of her ancestors

• She wants only handmade articles for her home because it's fashionable

• They include all the colors she has used in her home