Saturday, November 6, 2010

Entree: Horseradish and Garlic Prime Rib

From the title of head of the meal, it is suggested that the prime rib is the most dominant figure in this four course meal. The word "prime" is used to describe the highest quality of meat in terms of tenderness, juiciness and flavor. This represents Torvald because he is set above the rest in his household because of his socio-economic class and gender. He is the breadwinner of the family, supporting his wife and children through his labor at the bank. He is also the lawmaker: setting rules and restrictions on others in order to achieve his idea of a dream family. Strong titles may set a person above the rest, but that doesn't necessarily mean that they should be given special treatment. As a person he or she may lack soul, beliefs, and decent personal taste, which would set the person below the rest socially. Of course, this mindset was completely ignored by Torvald, and so he continues being a source of power throughout the play.

At the first bite, one experiences the tenderness and juiciness of the delicate meat represented by the number 1. After tasting the slightest bit of a delicious dish, one turns away from the possibility of there being a high number of calories or fat content and just focuses on the soothing feeling that erupts in the mouth. This same trick of the mind is used by Torvald to lure in Nora. This "no worries whatsoever" soft side is prevalent throughout the play. In Torvald's case, the tenderness has way of being condescending to others, like an overprotective mother making sure their child is safe. Torvald provides his wife with care and compassion. He calls her by loving nicknames and lets her be free to go out and spend money on necessities for the family and even make sure that they have time at the end of the day to snuggle together in bed. In the meantime, Nora is unaware that she is being used by her husband for her looks and status and how his sweet talk is actually making him more superior in their relationship.

This dominance is represented through the horseradish and garlic rub in number 2. By being on the outside of the meat, it shows that Torvald only intends to use his dominant side in the world of work in order to earn more money for the family. Of course, because the flavors blend throughout the entire meat, it represents the rise of his dominant behavior in the domestic realm of the household. The rub also represents a shield against others from getting past Torvald's personality-free surface. This shield is based off of his fear of losing his dominant status in marriage. Women today still have the stereotype of being the more emotional gender, and so by revealing his emotions, he may fear that he is putting himself at the same level as women. Just like any Gatsby, Torvald uses his riches as a disguise keeping others from determining his true character and emotions. He appears as a fake for not once mentioning once that he loves his wife. Their complete existence together has been based on a series of playful nudges to one another, which shows that Torvald hasn't revealed his true feelings once.

Alone, the prime rib lacks a proper sustenance needed to please others. So in order to raise its reputation in the eyes of onlookers, an array of flavors are added. The mushrooms in number 3 are the weaker, hidden flavors that make the prime rib so enjoyable. Torvald's mushrooms are represented by his wife and children: only meant to improve his status in society. As mushrooms, they consume off of Torvald and believe that survival without him would be dreadful. Even the placement of the fungi on the dish has meaning. The larger group placed above the meat and out in the open signifies Torvald's concern that his family appears successful and brilliant in front of others. The few placed below the meat signify that his wife and children are still lacking in dominance and are pushed back by restrictions.

The pool of red wine and juices in number 4 represent the extent of Torvald's affection of his loved ones. By having Torvald's "mushrooms" soak up his mask of compassion, they are becoming more need based and are mesmerized by him. Trying to fight off love can be difficult, which is why Nora has fallen for Torvald's tricks for years on end. It takes her sudden gain of independence in the final act of the play to become immune to this powerful liquid that he constantly expels and stick up for herself.

Many of Torvald's mind-reducing tricks are represented through this rather delicious dish. It makes a consumer truly think about exactly what the mouth is falling for with each forkload.

Next up is dessert!
Chef Michael




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