Walker explores the idea of one's denial of true happiness and/or one's true self in a variety of ways. In Really, Doesn't Crime Pay, Myrna denies her true passion-writing-which eventually leads to her breakdown. In Everyday Use, Dee tries to embrace what she believes is her heritage but ultimately denies her true history. Rannie of Strong Horse Tea denies the power of the remedies of her black ancestors until it is too late.