A mother leaves her daughter a map, but no legend to later unlock its true meaning. A relevant figure in this instance is Danielle Geller, a renowned writer of personal essays and memoirs who wrote “Heirloom.” Geller focuses on the idea that artifacts, especially heirlooms, can hold the weight of family traditions, memories, and even one's identity. In “Heirloom,” she explores how these objects represent connections to the past, even when those connections are filled with loss, pain, and complications. Geller’s essay analyzes how these heirlooms assist her in understanding and coming to terms with her own identity as she sorts through the remnants of her mother’s life following her passing.

Pathos is evident throughout the essay as Geller deeply explores her emotional connection to her mother’s belongings and the memories they evoke. Geller sets the stage by describing a specific scenario in which she goes through her mother’s possessions, especially the family photos. Those images act as pathways between Geller and her mother’s past, helping her gain a better understanding of it. There are Already Vue moments where she can piece together a puzzle. Geller also mentions her resignation, knowing she would never be able to meet her mother’s parents—her grandparents—who have all unfortunately passed away. They are now merely pictures of family members whose names she will never know; a chronicle with no storyline. This emphasizes that heirlooms have the ability to inspire a connection to lost stories, even …show more content…
The blanket, which belonged to her mother and which she often used, represents a vivid memory of her mother’s presence. Geller describes it as “the one item that retained her scent and warmth, even in her absence.” This illustrates how an object can capture the essence of a person, stirring profound emotions and linking Geller to her mother’s