Writer Alice Walker uses various symbols to help support the theme of heritage in " Everyday Use". Narrated by Mama, ancestral differences are revealed between herself, Maggie, and Dee/Wangero. Dee puts a historical value upon items she finds that Mama and Maggie would put to "Everyday Use". This short Story begins with Mama and Maggie awaiting the arrival of Dee the oldest daughter and her male companion. Mama's home is a small house with a …showed first 75 words of 664 total…

…showed last 75 words of 664 total…of style". While Mama and Maggie have a sense of family heritage as well, they show it in a different way by putting things to use. They are living the legacy of their family which, is their basis of their heritage. Dee has a much different poise now than as when she was young. She imposes a historical value upon these symbolic items. To remember how she has progressed to the women she is today.