Personal Reflection.

After reading Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistlestop Café, I was left inspired to fight the good fight and get even more behind my beliefs, no matter who looks at me funny. It really raises a fist at some astounding issues still going on today, such as racism and sexism. I connected with Idgie throughout the book. She’s a witty character who stands up for what she believes in and accepts people for who they are, not what they look like, how they dress, where they come from or how much money they have. She really strips people down and looks at them for who they are, not what they are. Ninny Threadgoode’s character couldn’t have been anymore perfect. She took on a motherly role for Evelyn and helped guide her through hard times, where she felt useless and alone. I loved how Evelyn had changed by the end of the book, bettering herself through all the day-to-day hardships she faced as an unnoticed housewife. Ruth stood out to me, as a strong character and a positive role model for women. I felt Fannie Flagg’s description of times during the Great Depression in the south was flawless. It really spoke about how hard it was for people to live back then, especially for women and African Americans, who were still fighting for their rights at that time. I learned a good amount of what the deep south was like and even got a few good recipes out of it. All in all, I really enjoyed the book and recommend it for anyone up for a good read.

About the Author; Fannie Flagg

• Before writing the famous novel, author Fannie Flagg was an actress, appearing in several T.V. sitcoms and small roles in movies. However, she wanted to be a writer, but was embaressed by a handicap she had; she had a severe case of dyslexia. She also claims that she was horrible at spelling. She put her writing carreer on hold in the 1970s to overcome her fear. After that she went on to write several novels and screenplays including: Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistlestop Cafe (novel), Fried Green Tomatoes (feature film), episodes of Candid Camera, and episodes of a T.V. show called Dolly. She was born in Birmingham, Alabama and now lives between her homes in southern California and Alabama.

Historical Context.

Fried Green Tomatoes is mostly set in the 1920s, during the time of the Great Depression, a time where racism and poverty thrived. The Klu Klux Klan is still at large and many people cannot afford to live life stably. Farming and rural areas, such as Whistlestop, Alabama took a big blow and people had to struggle to get by. The Great Depression began Tuesday, October 29, 1929 and ended around 1941 due mostly to President Roosevelt's New Deal.

Ruth Jamison.

Ruth is known for her sweetness and arresting beauty. She teaches Vacation Bible School in Alabama while staying with the Threadgoodes. She falls in love with Idgie and keeps her stable for awhile until she has to return to Georgia to marry Frank Bennet, the man she was promised to. Ruth is a strong woman and endures many things in her life, such as being married to an abusive husband, having to raise a child on her own and cancer.

Ninny Threadgoode.

Ninny Threadgoode, the 82 year old widow, is livley for her age and is attatched to Evelyn from the day they meet. She tells stories of her past and helps Evelyn change her life. She leaves an impression on everyone she meets.

Evelyn Couch.

Evelyn represents to common housewife. She struggles to find meaning in her life as she grows older, slipping into menopause. Evelyn has a difficult time handling her dissatisfaction with life, but after listening to Ninny Threadgoode's stories about Idgie, is inspired to change. She attends weight loss camp and releases her alter ego, "Towanda".

Idgie Threadgoode.

Idgie is the quintessential tomboy, with her short blonde hair and knack for gambling and fishing. Idgie's need for independance and freedom sometimes take a toll on those around her, but support her no matter what. She's a compassionate girl who falls in love with Ruth. She is able to communicate freely with anyone and treats everyone as equals.

Age.

Age plays a role in the story as well. With Evelyn going through menopause, Idgie and Ruth growing up, and Ninny Threadgoode becoming old and deteriorating, age is a theme in the book.

Racism.

Racism, perhaps the most dominate theme in the book, is excersized in several ways. The Klu Klux Klan shows up several times, and they even attempt to scare Idgie and Ruth out of serving black customers. One of Idgie's best friends, Grady Kilgore, working for the train companies as some kind of local sheriff, is also a member of the local KKK, which he tries to deny when Idgie confronts him about it. These are just some of the few examples of racism in the novel.

Feminism.

Feminism is a prominent theme in Fried Green Tomatoes. With Evelyn being trapped in the doting housewife persona, she became a symbol for women across the country. Ruth's feeling of being trapped in her marriage with an abusive husband is another part of this theme, as well as Idgie's being independant and outlandish.