.
Finally, Gruesser refers to Maggie as a sheep. Sheep are known to be useful, sharp, active and valued animals. These qualities of the sheep are similar to Dee's qualities because she moved away from the country to get an education and has made a different, successful, life for herself. It is ironic; however, that Dee could also be referred to as the "black sheep,"" the one who does not fit in with the rest of the family. Each of the main characters in the story is compared to animals that have characteristics similar to their characters in the story.
Even though Dee is compared to the "sharp " and "valuable " sheep, it is her education that ultimately sets her apart from her family. Because Dee's education is an integral part of her life; it has provided many opportunities for her, unlike Maggie who never had the chance to get an education. When Dee was estranged from her family, she lost a sense of heritage, background and identity. These are things that a family provides. After Dee gets her education, she starts to view her family from a judgmental perspective (Christian 87). Even though Dee cannot deny her family, she is embarrassed by them (Hoel 1 of 6). "Education has allowed Dee to escape a life of poverty, but it caused a rupture between her and her family" (Bauer 5 of 6). Because Dee has different views than her family, she has created a wedge in her family relationship (Hoel 2 of 6). This caused tension in her family, partly because Mama was denied an education (Bauer 5 of 6). Mama's school was closed down and no one ever tried to open it back up again (Bauer 5 of 6). Maggie also has had no formal education, but Dee does read to Maggie and Mama, showing her superiority to them. Because Dee left the country for the city to be educated, she lost tradition when she returned. She is a different person and no longer of everyday use in Mama's and Maggie's world.
Even though Dee has lost family tradition, it is still alive with Mama and Maggie.
