Everyday Use Summary

The narrator, an older woman who has worked hard all her life, is sitting in the yard waiting for her daughter, Dee, to return home after a long absence. As she waits, the mother thinks of dreams she has had of seeing her daughter again on a television show and being impressed with her daughter's quick wit and charm. The mother waits with her other daughter, Maggie, who has severe scars from a house fire that took place years ago. The fire destroyed their house, a house Dee had always disliked and been ashamed of. They do not live in a nicer house now. In fact, their house is just as small and shabby as the one before. Dee was always a dark child, opinionated, causing her to have few friends. Once Dee was in love with a boy who quickly...