"Maggie smiled; maybe just at the sunglasses. But a real smile, not scared. After we watched the car dust settle I asked Maggie to bring me a dip of snuff. And then the two of us sat there just enjoying it, until it was time to go in the house and go to bed." (pg. 181)
Is Dee wholly unsympathetic?
I would say that Dee is not completely unsympathetic. I feel bad for her in that she doesn't understand how selfish she is. She doesn't appreciate her mother and sister for who they are, and she completely disregards the way that they live. Maggie has obviously not had an easy life, but Dee, instead of being there for her, concentrates only on her life, and she misses out on the love that she could share with her family. For that, I believe she is sympathetic.
Is the mother's victory over her (Dee) altogether positive?
Mama's victory is definitely not completely positive. Although she stood up for one daughter, she may have lost the other one. Hopefully, Dee can reconcile their differences, but that may not necessarily happen. However, I definitely believe Mama did the right thing.
What emotional ambivalence is there in the final scene between Maggie and her mother in the yard?
As Dee drives away, Mama and Maggie watch her, and I think they both know that Dee might not come back, at least for a long time. However, they have each other, and this is enough for them.
This blog is very helpful! Thank you for posting these questions! :)
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