August 22,2010
Final Response
The book, Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Café, written by Fannie Flagg was a warm and endearing read. Once you start reading the book, it was very hard to put down. The characters in this book are hard not to love. The characters have the true southern hospitality and seem to be the kindest people in the world. The book was written in a way that every chapter jumps to a different period in time and often times there is a different narrator. At times, this can get confusing but if you really pay attention to what you are reading there are small details that will help you determine when the scene is taking place. Throughout the book, the jumps in times often means that we never figure out the full story as to what happened however, it is always explained later on in other chapters. Fannie Flagg had many different story lines that she created and most of them interconnected to help form another story, but she always made sure that she closed them and we knew what happened in the end. Two of the main themes of this book definitely pertained to friends and family. The Threadgoode were the most nice and generous people, if they could help you in any way they would. Often times they would give away food to any homeless people that came into the café or general store, and they risked getting caught with the law to make sure the people in Troutville got food from the trains so they could survive. They welcomed people with open arms and many of the town’s people thought as if they were a part of the Threadgoode family. Family was definitely a priority for them. The family was large with many brothers and sisters and they loved every one of the so much. As a reader, this story was very relatable and you could definitely put yourself into this story because it was so well written. Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Café is definitely a book I would recommend for people to read.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Reverend Scroggins
page 343/ August 22,2010
Quote #10
Quote:“After it was all over, Reverend Scroggins came over and shook Idgie’s hand. ‘I’ll see you in church Sunday, Sister Threadgoode.’ He winked at her and left. His son, Bobby, had heard about the trial and had called and told him about that time Idgie had gotten him out of jail. So Scroggins, the one she had bedeviled all these years, had come through for her. Idgie was floored by the whole thing for quiet a time. But, driving home, she did manage to say, ‘You know, I’ve been thinking. I don’t know what’s worse- going to jail or having to be nice to the preacher for the rest of my life.’”
For most of the book, Idgie and the rest of the Dill Pickle Club terrorized Reverend Scroggins. However, any other person in the community of Whistle Stop would help out in any way that they could, the Reverend did just that. The people in this community would put a side a silly joke, which has lasted many years, to help someone. The end of this quote is funny because the reader knows that Idgie appreciates what the Reverend did for her but its not in her nature to say that she is always making a joke about something and you would not expect anything different from her.
Quote #10
Quote:“After it was all over, Reverend Scroggins came over and shook Idgie’s hand. ‘I’ll see you in church Sunday, Sister Threadgoode.’ He winked at her and left. His son, Bobby, had heard about the trial and had called and told him about that time Idgie had gotten him out of jail. So Scroggins, the one she had bedeviled all these years, had come through for her. Idgie was floored by the whole thing for quiet a time. But, driving home, she did manage to say, ‘You know, I’ve been thinking. I don’t know what’s worse- going to jail or having to be nice to the preacher for the rest of my life.’”
For most of the book, Idgie and the rest of the Dill Pickle Club terrorized Reverend Scroggins. However, any other person in the community of Whistle Stop would help out in any way that they could, the Reverend did just that. The people in this community would put a side a silly joke, which has lasted many years, to help someone. The end of this quote is funny because the reader knows that Idgie appreciates what the Reverend did for her but its not in her nature to say that she is always making a joke about something and you would not expect anything different from her.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Railroad Bill
page 331/ August 21,2010
Quote #9
Quote: “‘Then, one morning, right around daybreak, I had to go to the toilet. I was about half asleep and when I got to the bathroom, there was Momma and Aunt Idgie in there, with the sink running. Momma looked at me, surprised, and said, ‘Wait a minute, honey’ and closed the door. ‘I said, ‘Hurry up, Momma, I cain’t wait!’ You know how a kid’ll do. I heard then talking and pretty soon they came out, and Aunt Idgie was drying her hands and face. When I got in there, the sink was full of coal dust. And on the floor, behind the door, was a black stocking hat. ‘I suddenly figured out why I’d seen her and old Grady Kilgore, the railroad detective, always whispering. He’d been the one who was tipping her off about the train schedules...it had been my Aunt Idgie jumping them trains, all along.’”
During most of the book, the characters were trying to figure out who had been jumping onto the trains and throwing food off the train for the people in the nearby town of Troutville. This town was predominantly African American; everyone was led to believe that Big George was stealing the food from the trains because he lived in the town. Many people were having a hard time putting food on the table because they were in the Depression. This quote allows the readers to see how thoughtful and concerned Ruth and Idgie were for others, they obviously did not have enough money to feed everyone that needed food so they helped the only way they knew how to. Idgie was raised to help others in any way that she could because that was how all of the Threadgoodes acted and Ruth was no different from the rest of them as well. Theses character would give you the shirt off their back if you asked for it. It was interesting to find out the Idgie was “Railroad Bill” because there were no clues given for the reader to suspect that it was her that was doing this.
Quote #9
Quote: “‘Then, one morning, right around daybreak, I had to go to the toilet. I was about half asleep and when I got to the bathroom, there was Momma and Aunt Idgie in there, with the sink running. Momma looked at me, surprised, and said, ‘Wait a minute, honey’ and closed the door. ‘I said, ‘Hurry up, Momma, I cain’t wait!’ You know how a kid’ll do. I heard then talking and pretty soon they came out, and Aunt Idgie was drying her hands and face. When I got in there, the sink was full of coal dust. And on the floor, behind the door, was a black stocking hat. ‘I suddenly figured out why I’d seen her and old Grady Kilgore, the railroad detective, always whispering. He’d been the one who was tipping her off about the train schedules...it had been my Aunt Idgie jumping them trains, all along.’”
During most of the book, the characters were trying to figure out who had been jumping onto the trains and throwing food off the train for the people in the nearby town of Troutville. This town was predominantly African American; everyone was led to believe that Big George was stealing the food from the trains because he lived in the town. Many people were having a hard time putting food on the table because they were in the Depression. This quote allows the readers to see how thoughtful and concerned Ruth and Idgie were for others, they obviously did not have enough money to feed everyone that needed food so they helped the only way they knew how to. Idgie was raised to help others in any way that she could because that was how all of the Threadgoodes acted and Ruth was no different from the rest of them as well. Theses character would give you the shirt off their back if you asked for it. It was interesting to find out the Idgie was “Railroad Bill” because there were no clues given for the reader to suspect that it was her that was doing this.
Stump Threadgoode
page 261/August 21,2010
Quote #8
Quote: “’Stump is out most valuable player’ said Coach Delbert Naves in an interview earlier today. ‘ His winning attitude and team spirit has made the difference. Despite his handicap, he has been able to complete 33 out of 37 attempted passes this year. He is able to take the snap from center and hug the ball to his chest, get the correct grip, and throw the ball in less then two seconds, and his speed and accuracy are outstanding.’”
I really like this quote because it shows how Stump has a handicap but he is not letting that stop him from doing whatever he sets his mind to. He has overcome his diversity and is participating in a sport that is difficult to master with his kind of handicap but he has done it successfully. This a very inspiring story because it shows that nothing can stop you from doing what you want to do as long at you set your mind to it you will succeed. I think it was good for his Aunt Idgie to be hard on him as a kid because it taught him that things were not going to be easy and he would have to work harder at simple tasks that might come easier to other people. His handicap has helped him become a better person as well.
Quote #8
Quote: “’Stump is out most valuable player’ said Coach Delbert Naves in an interview earlier today. ‘ His winning attitude and team spirit has made the difference. Despite his handicap, he has been able to complete 33 out of 37 attempted passes this year. He is able to take the snap from center and hug the ball to his chest, get the correct grip, and throw the ball in less then two seconds, and his speed and accuracy are outstanding.’”
I really like this quote because it shows how Stump has a handicap but he is not letting that stop him from doing whatever he sets his mind to. He has overcome his diversity and is participating in a sport that is difficult to master with his kind of handicap but he has done it successfully. This a very inspiring story because it shows that nothing can stop you from doing what you want to do as long at you set your mind to it you will succeed. I think it was good for his Aunt Idgie to be hard on him as a kid because it taught him that things were not going to be easy and he would have to work harder at simple tasks that might come easier to other people. His handicap has helped him become a better person as well.
Evelyn Couch- Miserbale and Depressed
page 133-134/Augut 21,2010
Quote #7
Quote: “Before, during those long endless black nights when Evelyn had been awake sweating with fear and fighting visions of death and tubes and tumors growing, she wanted to scream out for help while Ed slept beside her. But she had just lain there in that dark pit of her own personal hell until morning. Lately, to her mind off that cold gun and pulling the trigger, she would close her eyes and force herself to hear Mrs. Threadgoode’s voice and if she breathed deep and concentrated she would soon see herself in Whistle Stop. She would walk down the street and do in Opal’s beauty shop and could actually feel her hair being washed with warm water, then cool, then cooler. After a comb-out she would stop by to visit with Dot Weems at the post office and then on to the café where she could see everyone so clearly, Stump and Ruth and Idgie. She would order lunch and Wilbur Weems and Grady Kilgore would wave to her. Sipsey and Onzell would smile at her and she could hear the radio from the kitchen. Everyone would ask her how she was and the sun always shining and there would always be a tomorrow…lately she slept more and more and thought of the gun less and less…When she woke this morning, Evelyn realized that she was actually looking forward to going to the nursing home. Sitting there all these weeks listening to stories about the café and Whistle Stop had become more of a reality than her own life with Ed in Birmingham.”
Evelyn was a miserable and resentful wife before she met Mrs. Threadgoode at the Rose Terrance Nursing Home. Before their meeting, she often thought about committing suicide because she was so unhappy and depressed with the way her life was going. Mrs. Threadgoode lifted her spirits and made her see the good in her life. Evelyn finally had a friend that she could count on. This quote allows the reader to see that Evelyn has not thought about committing suicide since her friendship with Mrs. Threadgoode developed. Without Mrs. Threadgoode Evelyn would probably still miserable and unhappy with the way her life has turned out.
Quote #7
Quote: “Before, during those long endless black nights when Evelyn had been awake sweating with fear and fighting visions of death and tubes and tumors growing, she wanted to scream out for help while Ed slept beside her. But she had just lain there in that dark pit of her own personal hell until morning. Lately, to her mind off that cold gun and pulling the trigger, she would close her eyes and force herself to hear Mrs. Threadgoode’s voice and if she breathed deep and concentrated she would soon see herself in Whistle Stop. She would walk down the street and do in Opal’s beauty shop and could actually feel her hair being washed with warm water, then cool, then cooler. After a comb-out she would stop by to visit with Dot Weems at the post office and then on to the café where she could see everyone so clearly, Stump and Ruth and Idgie. She would order lunch and Wilbur Weems and Grady Kilgore would wave to her. Sipsey and Onzell would smile at her and she could hear the radio from the kitchen. Everyone would ask her how she was and the sun always shining and there would always be a tomorrow…lately she slept more and more and thought of the gun less and less…When she woke this morning, Evelyn realized that she was actually looking forward to going to the nursing home. Sitting there all these weeks listening to stories about the café and Whistle Stop had become more of a reality than her own life with Ed in Birmingham.”
Evelyn was a miserable and resentful wife before she met Mrs. Threadgoode at the Rose Terrance Nursing Home. Before their meeting, she often thought about committing suicide because she was so unhappy and depressed with the way her life was going. Mrs. Threadgoode lifted her spirits and made her see the good in her life. Evelyn finally had a friend that she could count on. This quote allows the reader to see that Evelyn has not thought about committing suicide since her friendship with Mrs. Threadgoode developed. Without Mrs. Threadgoode Evelyn would probably still miserable and unhappy with the way her life has turned out.
Mrs. Threadgoode on Growing Old
page 221-222/ August 21, 2010
Quote #6
Quote: “‘Just think, Evelyn, if you live to be as old as I am, you’ve got thirty-seven more years to go…’ Evelyn laughed. ‘What does it feel like to be eighty-six, Mrs. Threadgoode?’ ‘Well, I don’t feel any different. Like I say, it creeps up on you. One day you’re young and the next day your bosoms and your chin drops and you’re wearing a rubber girdle. But you don’t know you’re old. Course, I can tell when I look in the mirror…sometimes it nearly scares me to death. My neck looks just like old crepe paper, and I’ve got so many wrinkles and there’s nothing you can do about it. Oh, I used to have something from Avon for wrinkles, but it didn’t last but about an hour and they all came back, so I finally stopped fooling with it. I don’t even put on a face anymore, just a little lotion and eyebrow pencil, so you can tell I’ve got eyebrows… they’re white now, honey… and I’m full of liver spots.’ She looked at her hands. ‘You wonder where all those little fellows come from.’ Then she laughed ‘ I’m even too old to make a good picture. Francis wanted to snap a picture of me and Mrs. Otis, but I hid my head. Said I might break the camera.’ Evelyn asked if she ever got lonesome out there, ‘Well, yes, sometimes I do. Of course, all my people are gone… but once in a while, some of the ones from the church come to see me, but it’s just hello and goodbye. That’s just the way it is, hello and goodbye.’ ‘Sometimes I look at my picture of Cleo and little Albert and wonder what they’re up to… and dream about the old days.’ She smiled at Evelyn. ‘That’s what I’m living on now, honey, creams, dreams of what I used to do.’”
This quote makes me feel sad for Mrs. Threadgoode because none of her family is left; they have all passed away so now she is just biding her time until it is her time to join them. Although she seems lonely, her spirits always seem high and she never shows that she is sad or depressed. Mrs. Threadgoode has had such a positive affect on Evelyn and has helped her realize that you have to enjoy the time you are given to spend with the people you love and to make the most of the life you were given. The quote makes you realize that you have enjoy every moment of your life because you will soon be old and then you will look back and wish you would have appreciated it more.
Quote #6
Quote: “‘Just think, Evelyn, if you live to be as old as I am, you’ve got thirty-seven more years to go…’ Evelyn laughed. ‘What does it feel like to be eighty-six, Mrs. Threadgoode?’ ‘Well, I don’t feel any different. Like I say, it creeps up on you. One day you’re young and the next day your bosoms and your chin drops and you’re wearing a rubber girdle. But you don’t know you’re old. Course, I can tell when I look in the mirror…sometimes it nearly scares me to death. My neck looks just like old crepe paper, and I’ve got so many wrinkles and there’s nothing you can do about it. Oh, I used to have something from Avon for wrinkles, but it didn’t last but about an hour and they all came back, so I finally stopped fooling with it. I don’t even put on a face anymore, just a little lotion and eyebrow pencil, so you can tell I’ve got eyebrows… they’re white now, honey… and I’m full of liver spots.’ She looked at her hands. ‘You wonder where all those little fellows come from.’ Then she laughed ‘ I’m even too old to make a good picture. Francis wanted to snap a picture of me and Mrs. Otis, but I hid my head. Said I might break the camera.’ Evelyn asked if she ever got lonesome out there, ‘Well, yes, sometimes I do. Of course, all my people are gone… but once in a while, some of the ones from the church come to see me, but it’s just hello and goodbye. That’s just the way it is, hello and goodbye.’ ‘Sometimes I look at my picture of Cleo and little Albert and wonder what they’re up to… and dream about the old days.’ She smiled at Evelyn. ‘That’s what I’m living on now, honey, creams, dreams of what I used to do.’”
This quote makes me feel sad for Mrs. Threadgoode because none of her family is left; they have all passed away so now she is just biding her time until it is her time to join them. Although she seems lonely, her spirits always seem high and she never shows that she is sad or depressed. Mrs. Threadgoode has had such a positive affect on Evelyn and has helped her realize that you have to enjoy the time you are given to spend with the people you love and to make the most of the life you were given. The quote makes you realize that you have enjoy every moment of your life because you will soon be old and then you will look back and wish you would have appreciated it more.
Friday, August 20, 2010
Fannie Flagg Work Cited
"Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe: Author Biography." Novels for Students. Ed. Marie Rose Napierkowski. Vol. 7. Detroit: Gale, 1998. eNotes.com. January 2006. 20 August 2010. .
"About Fannie." Fannie Flagg. Random House, n.d. Web. 20 Aug 2010.
"Fannie Flagg." Fantastic Fiction. FantasticFiction, 14 Aug 2010. Web. 20 Aug 2010.
"About Fannie." Fannie Flagg. Random House, n.d. Web. 20 Aug 2010.
"Fannie Flagg." Fantastic Fiction. FantasticFiction, 14 Aug 2010. Web. 20 Aug 2010.
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