Food for her is not food, it is terror, dignity, gratitude, vengeance, joyfulness, humiliation, religion, history, and, of course, love. As if the fruit she always offered us were picked from the destroyed brances of out family tree.
In "Eating Animals," Jonathan Safran Foer explores the complex relationship people have with food, particularly how it transcends mere sustenance. Food embodies a multitude of emotions and experiences, including fear, honor, and love. The significance of food goes beyond physical nourishment; it reflects deep-seated cultural and personal histories.
The imagery of fruit being picked from the wreckage of a family tree suggests that our dietary choices are intertwined with our past, laden with both pain and joy. This perspective emphasizes that food is not just about taste or nutrition; it's also a powerful symbol of identity and legacy, filled with conflicting emotions that shape our lives.