What values does Carver bring forward in this story through experiences with food? Be detailed and specific with your response and use the text for support
Throughout Carver’s story, “A Small Good Thing,” it is prominent that he brings forth many pertaining values that are associated with food. He speaks a lot about how sharing a meal with someone can not only teach you a lot about someone but also open your eyes up to perspective. Being able to recognize everyone’s background can change the way you act. It’s surprising to think that a lonely baker and a mourning couple can find solace in one another over something as simple as hot rolls and yet Carver shows that it’s incredibly important to find these moments throughout life. Carver writes, “‘…I am just a baker. I don’t claim to be anything else, maybe once, maybe years ago, I was a different kind of human being. I’ve forgotten, I don’t know for sure. But I’m not any longer, if I ever was. Now I’m just a baker. That don’t excuse my doing what I did, I know. But I’m deeply sorry. I’m sorry for your son and sorry for my part in this,’ the baker said.” (217) The baker, despite not really having done anything wrong other than asking for payment for a cake that was never picked up, still apologizes and recognizes these feelings of regret for people he doesn’t even know. Carver also goes on to write, “‘You probably need to eat something’ the baked said. ‘I hope you’ll eat some of my hot rolls. You have to eat and keep going. Eating is a small, good thing at a time like this,’ he said.” (217) This advice is really what ties the rest of the story together. While the Weiss family waits for their son to wake up they neglect their need to eat and take care of themselves. They are so roped into what could happen with their son they forget that taking care of themselves is also an important factor. The baker despite being forcefully yelled at by a grieving mother still finds the kindness or share warm rolls with the couple and push them to keep moving forward.
