Food Imagery, Self Discovery Through Foods, and Poverty and Hunger

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Exam Questions
2. The notion of paradise is something that is common in many works, especially in those that aim to provide hope. Paradise seems to be a concept where people can be free of suffering and unbound by limitations. Pythagoras’ argument in favor of a vegetarian diet is anchored on both abundance and innocence. In Pythagoras’ view, killing and eating animals stains the human soul for they are taking away life, in contrast with adapting vegetarianism where there is no killing involved, hence the “purity” or “innocence” can be retained and people can live in harmony. This is an indication that Pythagoras’ vision of Paradise is where people are not responsible for any termination of life.
In contrast, the notion of Paradise in Babette’s Feast seem to be of a place where pleasure can be expressed freely. Babette’s food connected quarreling congregants and shows her passion and gratitude to the sisters who took her in (“Babette’s Feast”). In Kafka’s A Hunger Artist, the main character died of hunger because of his desire for fame and his desire to eat what he likes.
“I always wanted you to admire my fasting … I have to fast, I can’t help it. because I couldn’t fnd the food I liked. If I had found it, believe me, I should have made no fuss and stuffed myself like you or anyone else.” (Kafka)
In this case, it is clear that the author views paradise to be a place where appetizing and affective food are abundant, and where people do not consume food out of need for sustenance but out of need to be blessed by food. Finally, Updike’s A&P is mainly focused on freedom to be one’s own, and from this, we can surmise that the author’s idea of paradise is independence (Updike).
3. The films East Side Sushi, Burnt, and Julie & Julia, as well as the novel Last Night at the Lobster shows how food is interrelated in the lives of everyone. Though the subject matters in these works are based on the food industry, the scenes depict what the role of food is with the lives and relationships of people. For example, in Julie & Julia, the two characters shared things that linked them: their love for cooking and Julia’s book. Julia’s journey took her to many places and challenges, even rejection of her book. However, because of her persistence, she was able to succeed (“Julie & Julia”). On the other hand, themes of persistence and adversity during the characters’ journey are dominant in East Side Sushi and Burnt.
There are multiple assumptions depicted on the films about healthy and unhealthy relationships and substances. For example, in Last Night at the Lobster, Manny’s expectations of himself and Jacquie despite his relationship with Deena is an example of an unhealthy relationship with others (O’Nan). Another example of an unhealthy relationship is Julie’s attitude when her blog and cooking was gaining traction. Because of her growing fame, she disregards her marriage (“Julie & Julia’”).
On the other hand, healthy relationships are also present. For example, in East Side S...