Introduction
Food has been an important cultural, aesthetic, and material element of the art world for centuries. The representation of food in literature, film, music and other visual arts has been utilized in a variety of cultural contexts from capturing the identity of a nation to expressing the personal emotions of an individual. In this article, we will explore food representation in the various branches of the arts, how it has been used historically, and how that representation has evolved in our modern age.
Literature
From Homer’s “The Odyssey” to Hemingway’s “A Moveable Feast”, food has been an integral part of literature. Often times, the focus on food could be used to add depth and texture to stories, or provide a vivid understanding of the culture or setting of a novel. Literature has a unique power to turn the mundane act of eating into a profound and intimate experience.
Ancient Literature
One of the earliest references to food in western literature is found in Homer’s ‘The Odyssey’. Within this epic Greek poem, there are vivid descriptions of the characters partaking in culinary activities such as roasting wild game, baking bread, and drinking wine. Food also plays a major role in other classical literature, such as Virgil’s ‘The Aeneid’ and Ovid’s ‘Metamorphoses’. In these works food serves as a tool to emphasize power dynamics among the characters and evoke a sense of nostalgia.
Modern Literature
In more modern literature, food is often still used as a tool to express complex meanings and portray a character’s emotions. For example, in Ernest Hemingway’s ‘A Moveable Feast’ there is a great emphasis on food in terms of the “inexpensive meals” Hemingway had with his friends in Paris, depicting the carefree lifestyle of the characters. Similarly, food is often used in literature to describe the struggles of poverty, as in Mark Twain’s ‘The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn’. Here, Huck expresses his hunger through a detailed description of the food he craves.
In contemporary works, food continues to be used in unique and imaginative ways. For instance, in the award-winning novel ‘The Hunger Games’ by Suzanne Collins, food is used to portray the harsh contrast between the wealthy Capitol citizens and the less fortunate citizens of the Districts. Additionally, food has become a commonly used tool to express personal emotions and unique life experiences as in Jhumpa Lahiri’s ‘Interpreter of Maladies’, in which food serves as a means of communication between two characters.
Music
Food has been an extremely powerful and influential force in music, ranging from classic folk songs about food struggles in the Appalachian region, to rap songs about “bling” related to feasting and dining. Food has also been used in many musical art forms to communicate cultural messages and values, as well as provide a reflection on human psychology and emotions.
Folk Songs
In American Folk Song, food has often been used to express the struggles of poverty and hunger. A prime example of this is the ‘Goin’ Down the Road Feeling Bad’, which is a classic song about a “hobo” and his struggles to find food and shelter. Similarly, songs like ‘Old Joe Clark’ depict a desolate Appalachian region and the lack of food, while ‘Man Of Constant Sorrow’ is a sad song about having to beg for food.
Country Music
Country music has also used food to express certain cultural values, as in the song ‘I Like My Chicken Fried’. This song is a perfect example of how food can be used as a reflection of southern culture, as it speaks to the values of simplicity and home-cooked meals. Additionally, food has been used in country songs to explain love and passion, as in the classic ‘Cake by the Ocean’ by Dolly Parton, which uses food as a metaphor for the intensity of a romantic relationship.
Pop Music
Pop music has been further revolutionized by its use of food imagery. For instance, in the song ‘Candy’ by Mandy Moore, food is used as a metaphor for honeymoon bliss and the sweetness of love. Similarly, in the classic 'Material Girl' by Madonna, food imagery is used to express the glamour and opulence that the song is about. Additionally, food has also been used as an international anthropological tool, as in Shakira’s ‘Hips Don’t Lie’, which utilizes references to Latin American cuisine and the culture in South America.
Rap Music
Food representation in rap music has become more commercial and materialistic than in other musical genres. In songs such as ‘Versace’ by Migos or ‘Big Bank’ by YG, food is used to reference the wealth of the artist, with the characters dining on expensive champagne and five-star meals. Food is also used to express the power and dominance of certain gangs or groups, as in the classic ‘Gangsta’s Paradise’ by Coolio.
Film
Food representation in film has been utilized to create a sensory experience for the viewer and evoke a variety of emotions. Food has been used to characterize a person or setting and communicate a theme.
Noir Film
In classic Noir films, food is often used to portray a laid-back and hedonistic lifestyle. For instance, in the classic film ‘Double Indemnity’, the protagonist is shown dining with his colleague at a café and then drinking in a bar after hours. This is a reference to the character’s reckless and laid-back attitude towards life. Similarly, in the original version of ‘The Maltese Falcon’, the characters are shown in an upscale restaurant, expressing their wealth and power.
Westerns
In westerns, food is often used to signify the culture and lifestyle of the characters in the film. In John Ford’s ‘The Searchers’, for instance, the characters are portrayed dining on wild game, which is a reference to their poverty and relative isolation from mainstream American culture. Additionally, food is also often used to emphasize the relationship between the characters, as in John Ford’s ‘The Quiet Man’ where the male protagonist is seen cooking a meal for the female protagonist as a sign of courtship.
Contemporary Film
In more contemporary film, food has been used to communicate a character’s guilt and remorse. For instance, in Martin Scorsese’s ‘Gangs of New York’, a character is seen consuming a large meal in an upscale restaurant, which serves as a metaphor for his self-destructive greed. Similarly, in Quentin Tarantino’s ‘Django Unchained’, food is used as a reflection of the protagonist’s chaotic nature, as he consumes a lavish meal prior to violently killing a group of villains.
Food has been an essential element in the arts for centuries and its use has been extremely versatile. From literature to film, food has provided us with a vivid and detailed understanding of the cultural and emotional elements of a given story. Whether its the subtle nuances of a passionate love story or the powerful themes of poverty, food is sure to evoke an emotional response in all who take part in its consumption.