Fried
green tomatoes at the Whistle Stop
cafe
|
Book
| Movie
| Discussion
questions
|
Book:
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Movie:
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Discussion
questions:
1.
This book has a complex structure,
going between the past and the
present and changing the point of
view of different characters. Did
this way of telling work for you?
Were there particular characters as
narrator
you found more compelling than
others and why?
For the people who also saw the
movie:How did the structure work in
the film?
2.
In addition to Q1, about the
different times and perspectives,
here is the next question:
Who do you think is the main
character of the book? Is there only
one, or are there more characters
with an equal share? Could you
identify with her/him/them? Who is
the main character in the movie? Was
that a good choice?
3.
I think the scene where Idgie
reveals to Ruth she is a bee charmer
is very important to the story? Do
you agree? Why (not)? How come that
Ruth and Idgie became so close
(friends)? What sort of relationship
do you think they have? Was this
relationship brought the same in the
book and movie?
4.
This book has a lot to say about
race relations.
In the book the black family of Big
George and the black community get a
lot of attention; i.e. Artis &
Jasper, the colour of their skin and
the choices they make. Do you think
the colour of their skin made a
difference in their approach to
life?
5.
How did the black and white
communities interact in the book?
How does a character like Grady
Kilgore (sheriff) fit in? In the
movie, most of the race issues were
left out; only the clash with the
KKK and
Frank. Was that enough to make a
point about racism?
6.
You might say Eva Bates is a woman
sexually liberated before her time.
What role does she have in the story
and what influence does she have on
Idgie and Stump? How does Ruth feel
about her? In the movie she is just
a person in the bar Idgie goes to.
Did you miss her storyline?
7.
What did you think about the fact
that Idgie was Railroad Bill. Did it
surprise you? Who did you thought
was Railroad Bill? In the movie it
became clear very early in the story
Idgie helped the poor people of the
town by throwing food from trains.
She didn't keep it a secret, she
even did it together with Ruth. How
do you feel about that option?
8.
What do you think about the title?
Why does the title emphasize on the
food served at the cafe? Is it a
symbol for anything? If you could
give the book and movie another
title what would it/they be?
9.
How does this story explore the
process of aging? How do we age
& die with dignity when all
those we loved and who loved us are
gone? How does Ninny manage?
Do
you want to discuss this book or
others? Join
the group.
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