How we cite our quotes: Paragraph
Quote #1
"Oh, Mama!" [Dee] cried. Then turned to Hakim-a-barber. "I never knew how lovely these benches are. You can feel the rump prints," she said, running her hands underneath her and along the bench. (46)
Ah yes, rump prints are always the sign of a good bench. What do you think is responsible for Dee's sudden appreciation for the benches (and the butter churn and the quilts)?
Quote #2
"Aunt Dee's first husband whittled the dash," said Maggie so low you almost couldn't hear her.
"His name was Henry, but they called him Stash."
"Maggie's brain is like an elephant's," Wangero said, laughing (52-53).
Maggie is a kid of few words, so it's a pretty big deal when she pipes up to share this tidbit about the origins of the dash. It's one of several examples we could point to to make the case that Maggie actually has a much richer sense of her heritage than Dee.
Quote #3
"I can use the churn top as a centerpiece for the alcove table," [Dee] said, sliding a plate over the churn, "and I'll think of something artistic to do with the dasher." (53)
Sure it's nice that Dee appreciates these objects so much that she elevates them to the status of art, but it's also important to note that she seems to have the luxury of using them this way. That is, she is (or will be) likely financially well-off enough to be able to view these things as decorations, but not everyone may be able to afford to appreciate their heritage in this way. Some folks just need to keep warm.