The purpose of this paper is to analyze the question of the function of food representation and eating in the novel “The Cider House Rules” by John Irving, first published in 1985 by William Morrow.
The relevance of this question can already be found in the title of the novel. Since the title “The Cider House Rules” combines food, or better drink with rules and housing, there must be some deeper connection between them. What exactly is meant by these rules? These rules must be social agreements, which again are connected to food and drink.
The novel also relates to a local and regional culture, the culture of apple growing, to Maine, and to certain social structures.
It would be of interest to analyze the influence food has on the novel’s main characters. All these questions lead to the main question and are going to focus on the function that food and drink have in the novel.
In the first part, this paper gives background information on the novel’s settings in Maine and gives theoretical reference to the cultural anthropologist Claude Levi-Strauss and the social and literary critic Roland Barthes.
The second part will then focusing on Homer Wells, one of the main characters in the novel. It concentrates on the influences the other characters have on Homer Wells, especially Dr. Larch, Melony, Candy, Wally, and the migrants. Then the symbolic meaning of apples will be discussed. Homer Wells’ most forming moments on the orchard will be explained and also how his life is connected with apple farming.
In the third part the relation of the title and the novel will be analyzed. This includes also the reasons for the cider house. The results will be summarized in the end.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Social structure
2.1. Maine
2.2. Theories on food
2.2.1 Claude Levi-Strauss
2.2.2 Levi-Strauss and Irving’s Cider House Rules
2.2.2.1 Apple cider
2.2.2.2 Apple blossom honey
2.2.2.3 Apple jelly
2.2.2.4 Apple Pies
2.2.2.5 Results
2.2.3. Roland Barthes
2.2.4 Roland Barthes and Irving’s Cider House Rules
2.2.4.1 The Worthington’s
2.2.4.2 The apple farmers
2.2.5.3 The migrants
2.2.5.4. Results
3 Homer Wells
3.1 The influence other characters have on Homer
3.1.1 Homer Wells - Dr. Larch
3.1.2 Homer Wells – Melony
3.1.3 Homer Wells – Candy and Wally
3.1.4 Homer Wells – pickers
3.2 Symbolic meaning of apples
3.2.1. Apples and the novel
3.3. Formative moments on the apple orchard for Homer Wells
3.4 Connection of apple farming and Homer’s personal development
4. The connection of the title and the novel
5. Conclusion
6. Bibliography
6.1 Internet sources
Objectives & Core Themes
This paper examines the function of food representation and eating within John Irving’s "The Cider House Rules," exploring how these elements act as social signifiers and catalysts for character development. The core research question addresses how food, apple cultivation, and consumption reflect social structures and influence the protagonist's identity.
- Social structure and hierarchy in Maine
- Application of food theories by Claude Levi-Strauss and Roland Barthes
- Symbolic representation of apples in literature and mythology
- The influence of interpersonal relationships on Homer Wells' maturation
- The conceptual intersection of rule-making and rule-breaking
Excerpt from the Book
3.1.1. Homer Wells - Dr. Larch
The relationship between Homer and Dr. Larch is almost a father and son relationship. Homer is proud of Dr. Larch and adores him for what he has learned from him. Dr. Larch is also proud of Homer and glad he has found a successor. It has always been very hard for Dr. Larch to express his feelings. It is a special scene, when Larch for the first time shows his real feelings to Homer.
“Homer Wells […] lay very still, pretending to sleep. Dr. Larch bent over him and kissed him, very lightly, one his lips. Homer heard Larch whisper, ’Good work, Homer.’ He felt a second, even lighter kiss. ‘Good work, my boy,’ the doctor said, and then left him. Homer Wells felt his tears come silently. […] He cried because he had received his first fatherly kisses. […] Dr. Larch had never kissed him before, and now he had kissed him twice.” (John Irving 1985: 176)
But the relation between them is not always so warmhearted and kindly. When Homer decides that he will not perform abortion out of moral reasons, the relationship between them seems troubled. Both are very stubborn and want the other one to accept and approve their opinion regarding abortions.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: The introduction outlines the central research objective regarding the function of food and eating as symbols in John Irving’s novel, while setting the theoretical framework.
2. Social structure: This chapter analyzes the regional setting of Maine and utilizes the theories of Levi-Strauss and Roland Barthes to interpret the social significance of food production and consumption.
3 Homer Wells: This section details the protagonist's life, his evolving relationships with key characters, the symbolic use of apples, and his personal development through his experiences on the apple orchard.
4. The connection of the title and the novel: This chapter investigates the thematic dichotomy of rule-making and rule-breaking, linking the regulation of the cider house to the broader moral choices made by the characters.
5. Conclusion: The conclusion synthesizes the findings, confirming that food and apples serve as symbolic markers for home, social structure, and personal identity throughout the novel.
Keywords
John Irving, The Cider House Rules, food representation, apple orchard, social structure, Claude Levi-Strauss, Roland Barthes, Homer Wells, symbolism, identity, Maine, rule-breaking, orphan, maturation, migration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary goal of this research paper?
The paper aims to analyze the functional role of food representation and eating habits in John Irving’s novel, linking them to social structures and the development of the protagonist, Homer Wells.
Which theoretical approaches are applied?
The work utilizes the cultural anthropological theories of Claude Levi-Strauss, specifically his "culinary triangle," and the socio-critical perspectives of Roland Barthes regarding food as a system of communication.
How is the social structure of the novel defined?
The social structure is examined through the lens of class, race, age, and gender, using the inhabitants of the Ocean View Orchard (Worthingtons, farmers, and migrants) as primary examples.
What is the symbolic significance of apples in the novel?
Apples represent various complex themes, including sin, love, immortality, and hope, serving as a connection between Homer’s childhood at the orphanage and his adult life on the orchard.
Why is the concept of "rules" significant to the novel's title?
The title refers to the literal regulations posted in the cider house, which serve as a metaphor for the broader moral rules, social conventions, and personal codes that the characters navigate and often break.
What is the central character arc of Homer Wells?
Homer evolves from an orphanage-bound assistant to a man who defines his own life, ultimately discovering his true home and reconciling with his past through his experiences with the apple orchard.
How does the author interpret the relationship between Homer and Dr. Larch?
The relationship is characterized as a complex father-son dynamic, marked by professional guidance, moral conflict over abortions, and deep emotional attachment.
What role does Melony play in Homer's life?
Melony serves as a mirror and a catalyst for Homer's maturation, challenging his decisions and honesty, and ultimately emerging as a character who forces him to confront his moral path.
- Quote paper
- Phyllis Wiechert (Author), 2000, The function of food representation and eating in John Irving's "The Cider House Rules", Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/73179
