Although it is not explicitly labeled as a lesbian relationship, every resident both knows about and accepts Idgie and Ruth's relationship, making lesbianism a theme in the novel. In the film adaptation Ruth had been in love with Buddy Threadgoode, Idgie's brother.
The novel also uses Evelyn and Mrs. Threadgoode's characters to examine women's aging. Throughout the novel we see Evelyn going through menopause as well as Mrs. Threadgoode's deterioration in old age. Another important aspect is the history of African American lives from the 1920s to the late 1980s as the novel follows Sipsey's family. The moral justifications of murder and euthanasia are also touched upon.
Food is another literary theme in the novel, to the extent that Flagg included the recipes served by the cafe at the end of the book.
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