Story name: my mother pieced quilts
What is the original purpose of the mother’s quilts? Why does the speaker find deeper meaning in them? Cite textual evidence to support your answer.
In the story "My Mother Pieced Quilts," the original purpose of the mother's quilts is to provide warmth and comfort to the family. However, the speaker, who is the daughter, finds a deeper meaning in these quilts.
The daughter describes her mother's quilts as "soft, heavy, remnants of the past" that her mother stitched together with meticulous care. She explains that her mother "stitched memories into the scraps" and that each piece of fabric has a story to tell. This implies that the quilts not only serve a practical purpose but also represent the memories, experiences, and history of her family.
Moreover, the speaker mentions that the quilts hold a cultural significance for her mother. She states, "she honored her past by taking up a craft that generations of Mexican women had used to tell the stories of their lives." This suggests that the quilts also serve as a connection to the speaker's Mexican heritage and the artistic expression of her ancestors.
Furthermore, the daughter reflects on how her mother's fingers, worn from years of labor, "moved like a master weaver creating a tapestry that no good luck charm could rival." This metaphorical comparison reveals that the speaker sees her mother's quilts as a form of artistry and creative expression, one that surpasses mere functionality. Through these quilts, the daughter finds a sense of admiration for her mother's skilled craftsmanship and the emotional depth imbued within each stitch.
Overall, the daughter finds deeper meaning in her mother's quilts because they represent not only physical warmth but also the memories, cultural heritage, and artistic expression of her family.