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 tin roof, and some small windows just cut in the side. A large hard clay yard which is "like an extended living room". Mama sees her home as more comfortable than most people know".
             While waiting for Dee, Mama gives us some insight on both of her daughters and herself. She starts with a personal description and a dream of being on a Johnny Carson like TV show. She sees herself as the woman Dee might prefer " a hundred pounds lighter" with skin like "uncooked barley pancakes". In real life mama is " a large Big-Boned woman with tough man-working hands". Maggie is described as a simple minded individual who has very similar virtues as her mother. Dee has always wanted " nice things" She had a "style of her own: and knew what style was". With just a brief introduction of the characters, we begin to see the difference between the three women. This begins to build the conflicts pertaining to the way each view their own heritage and the changes Dee has gone through as she has grown. Mama believes Dee hated her family and the house she was raised in. When Dee finally arrives with her male companion, we see sort of a new Dee/Wangero. She is dressed in a bright dress "enough to throw back the light of the sun". Her hair stands up " like the wool on a sheep". She takes pictures of her mother and sister making sure " the house is not included" as this is the first sign of the new Dee. Mama finally greets her "Well, I say, Dee" and Dee/Wangero replies " Not. Dee, Wangero Leewanika Kemanjo! ....