Lobster Lesson Analysis

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Compare and Contrast Essay Have you ever ate pickled pig lips or perhaps a soggy lobster? Many people probably have not. But one thing that the majority of us have experienced is a family tradition or ritual. In the two stories that we will be exploring both authors encounter strong family traditions as well as stepping outside of their own comfort zones. While two stories may have similarities you can guarantee that they will have differences as well. In the story Lobster Lessons by Aleksandra Crapanzano we follow the author, her fiancé and his great aunt Margaret to a small cottage on the coast of Nantucket (Crapanzano 46). Here the author is faced with a difficult situation. Simply put, to show respect and eat or to be rude and…show more content…
I have told you about Aleksandra Crapanzano’s experiences with food in Lobster Lessons, but what I haven’t mentioned is why she was at that little cottage in the first place. John, Aleksandra’s fiancé, used to go to the cottage at least once every summer to spend time with his great aunt Margaret. This particular summer was the first time that John had taken Aleksandra along to share in his family tradition. But being in Nantucket with his aunt was not the only part of this tradition. The lobster feast they would have every time was the highlight of the trip. John would go down to the ocean with a large pot and fill it with sea water. The two would then set to cooking putting the lobsters into the boiling sea water and waiting. When he was young John would place his hand on top of Margaret’s as she held down the lid. But now due to her age the roles have reversed and she would place her hand on top of his (Crapanzano 48). Traditions are all around us and are most commonly found within our families. John and Aleksandra now have a little boy of their own and she imagines a time when he will run after his father to fetch the sea water. Thus continuing the family tradition (Crapanzano

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