Food, Emotion and the Empowerment of Women in Contemporary Fiction by Women Writers

Authors

Surapeepan Chatraporn

Publication Date

2005-01-01

Abstract

This paper aims to explore the connection between food and emotions and analyze how food empowers the women who cook and serve it. In the selected fictional bestsellers, which were made into successful films, food plays a vital role. Food functions as the title, the main theme, the dominant imagery, and distinctive figures of speech. Food has a direct impact on the emotions and behavior of those who consume the food prepared by these female cooks. Their food provides physical nourishment as well as emotional and spiritual sustenance. Food is used as a vehicle to communicate feelings, and an outlet for female creativity and artistic expression. The female cooks, who appear initially weak and inferior in status, grow to be influential and indispensable. Having derived their power from food, these female cooks eventually assume the roles of artistic chefs and, more importantly, saviors of body and soul.

First Page

67

Last Page

82

Recommended Citation

Chatraporn, Surapeepan (2005) "Food, Emotion and the Empowerment of Women in Contemporary Fiction by Women Writers," Manusya, Journal of Humanities: Vol. 8: No. 2, Article 6.
Available at: https://digital.car.chula.ac.th/manusya/vol8/iss2/6