Everyday Use Mama And Dee Relationship Essay

Just like the narrator and the wife in “Cathedral”, Mama and Dee have a interesting relationship in “Everyday Use”. Mama seems to yearn for her daughters respect. Within a few passages Mama imagines a dream of which she and Dee are reunited. “She pins on my dress a large orchid, even though she has told me once that she things orchids are tacky flowers” (77). This quote displays that Mama wishes that Dee would take Mama as she was, and her pinning the orchid on her dress is a way of validating this. Dee is also well dressed, beautiful and educated. This makes Mama feel less worthy and hopes that her daughter will one day respect her. Mama doesn't like that idea and doesn't understand why Dee disapproves of her way of life, but Mama is willing to put those things aside just to make Dee happy. …show more content…
This conflict is the reason that Mama and Dee do not have a healthy relationship. Dee still does love mama, despite what they go through. Mama describes her as having “nicer hair and a fuller figure. She’s a woman now, though sometimes I forget” (79). Mama, in a way, looks up to Dee, not only for assistance with Maggie, but in regard to being accomplished and put together; Mama feels as though if she does not meet the standards of Dee; she will have felt as though she let her down. This relationship between them two will only get stronger; due to the fact that mama is trying her best to make things equal between them again. This is also why she keeps maggie by her side 24/7, because it makes her feel loved at least a little, by one of her daughters. In this relationship, it is apparent that communication and jealousy is present. Mostly from mama wanting to be with dee, but because they do not communicate thoroughly, their relationship will go no