Definable Roots In “Everyday Use,” Alice Walker tells a powerful fictional story about a mother's fractious relationship with her two daughters. Walker connotes the importance of appreciating one's heritage. The concept of heritage, as applied in history, adheres to African Americans who fought for personal freedom and equality in a cultural sense. If one looked at the leaves of a tree and did not dig deep into its roots, there would be no trace of knowledge of their past, origin and legacy. On the surface, the mother gains better insight into both daughters after realizing that her daughter Dee does not recognize her mother's contributions. Dee is the eldest child and is trying to get in touch with her roots. However, Dee grieves for her past and her family because, frankly, she overlooks the importance of her family in her conquest to modify her "heritage language." Due to Dee's ignorance and coddling, the mother gradually appreciates Maggie more, who has influence in the heritage language. Throughout the story, Dee takes...