Blue Devils

[mikaylanichols]

Mikayla Nichols

ENGL 151

November 15, 2012

The Blue Devils of Blue River Avenue

            There are so many different aspects to this story to write about; friendship, family dynamics, coming of age, right and wrong, ethnic backgrounds, etc. My favorite characteristic of this story though, is the food. The amount of detail that went into this story is largely comprised of foods. I believe this story’s meaning, which has nothing to do with eating, wouldn’t be half as fulfilling if all food references were removed. There were a few key points that food references really punctuated. The author’s family is introduced as a wholesome, all American, family through their food, “…eggs sunny or pancakes. French toast or cornmeal mush, waffles or cold cereal, cream of wheat or oatmeal.” When the author describes his friendship with Roland he talks about, “We drank lemonade or root beer, and ate kumquats…” Another fully described meal comes right before the author’s mom finds Bizzy Sambeaux on their front lawn. This is the turning point in the author’s life because soon he’ll have a friend to bring him back out of the wayward life he’s been chasing. The author is on his way to school when Homer walks up to introduce himself, “…salami sandwiches- I could smell the peppercorns through the mist.” Homer invites the author over for stroganoff. This is another typical meal for a family to have, but with a twist, it’s pink. The author describes the family, and it coincides with the food.  This family is wholesome and loving, but instead of being boring like his family, they add red wine instead of white to their beef stroganoff. Instead of having the dreary repetition of the author’s family, Homer’s family had more flavor and color in their lives.