Food, like many aspects of human life, is extremely symbolic. Along with the obvious nature of nutrition and sustenance food provides, it also is a central piece of many personal interactions. In both “Coming Home” and “Grandmothers”, it is evident that food provided the female characters with a sense of identity either establishing weakness or strength. Although seemingly limiting, the food, and its preparation allowed the women presented to communicate through each meal.
INTRODUCE MORE OF THE STORIES Perhaps due to traditional Korean culture, Chang Rae Lee’s mother was the primary cook in the household. This role, although essential and crucial to the family’s well being was looked at with little regard and little respect. The mother herself viewed her contribution as insignificant, which led to the belief that preparing food would only “serve to weaken”. (Lee 236) Because of this view she did not see herself as a respected member of the Lee family. Despite the belittled view of cooking, it is evident how important food is in many aspects of life. The way food is …show more content…
They both use food as a central piece of their writing and express how it connected their families. However, the most striking part is the difference between the two similar but incredibly unique pieces. While in “Coming Home” the preparation of food is heavily mentioned, it is viewed by Lee’s mother as a weakness instead of a strength, and because of this, she views herself as subordinate and often belittles herself while praising her husband. This illustrates how cooking is viewed in the Lee household. In “Grandmothers” food and its preparation is quite oppositely the most powerful thing about a central character, Alice. In her essay, Reichl describes that Alice acted “as if she were a queen bestowing a rare gift” when she cooked a great meal (Reichl 30). Lee’s mother however, “considered her own history to be immaterial”. (Lee
INTRODUCE MORE OF THE STORIES Perhaps due to traditional Korean culture, Chang Rae Lee’s mother was the primary cook in the household. This role, although essential and crucial to the family’s well being was looked at with little regard and little respect. The mother herself viewed her contribution as insignificant, which led to the belief that preparing food would only “serve to weaken”. (Lee 236) Because of this view she did not see herself as a respected member of the Lee family. Despite the belittled view of cooking, it is evident how important food is in many aspects of life. The way food is …show more content…
They both use food as a central piece of their writing and express how it connected their families. However, the most striking part is the difference between the two similar but incredibly unique pieces. While in “Coming Home” the preparation of food is heavily mentioned, it is viewed by Lee’s mother as a weakness instead of a strength, and because of this, she views herself as subordinate and often belittles herself while praising her husband. This illustrates how cooking is viewed in the Lee household. In “Grandmothers” food and its preparation is quite oppositely the most powerful thing about a central character, Alice. In her essay, Reichl describes that Alice acted “as if she were a queen bestowing a rare gift” when she cooked a great meal (Reichl 30). Lee’s mother however, “considered her own history to be immaterial”. (Lee