Dee's Transformation:
1. Changed Name: Dee's decision to change her name from "Maggie" to "Dee" symbolizes her rejection of her cultural heritage and her embrace of a new identity that is more aligned with her political and social beliefs.
2. Adoption of African Attire: Dee's adoption of traditional African attire and hairstyles highlights her growing connection to her African heritage, which is in stark contrast to the narrator's assimilation into white culture.
3. Rejection of Family Traditions: Dee's dismissal of the family quilts as mere "old-fashioned" items, and her insistence on taking them despite their cultural and emotional significance to the narrator, underscores her break from the past and her desire for a new, more politically correct identity.
Narrator's Evolution:
1. Self-Reflection: The narrator's observations of Dee's transformation prompt her to reflect on her own identity and the choices she has made. She begins to question whether she has abandoned her cultural roots in favor of assimilation.
2. Growing Appreciation for Cultural Heritage: As the story progresses, the narrator develops a deeper appreciation for the cultural traditions that Dee disregards. She realizes the significance of the family quilts and the stories they hold, and she begins to value her own connection to her family's history.
3. Finding Her Voice: The narrator's evolving understanding of identity and her recognition of Dee's shortcomings allow her to find her authentic voice. She no longer feels overshadowed by her sister and is able to assert her own beliefs and values.