The Literary Significance of “Club Sandwich”
The phrase “club sandwich” initially denotes a layered sandwich, traditionally featuring sliced cooked poultry or bacon, with lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise. It’s commonly cut into quarters or triangles and served with a side. However, within literature, the “club sandwich” transcends this simple definition. It’s become a versatile metaphor representing a variety of concepts, from the mundane routines of life to complex emotional and familial pressures. Understanding its origins and evolution within literary contexts offers insights into how authors employ seemingly ordinary objects to convey deeper meaning.
Origin of the “Club Sandwich”
The earliest documented appearance of the “club sandwich” dates back to 1894, originating at the Union Club of New York City. Though variations existed previously, this is where the now-familiar combination of ingredients and turkey or chicken, bacon, lettuce, and tomato began to solidify. The sandwich quickly gained popularity, becoming a staple in American cuisine and, consequently, a readily understood cultural reference point. The name itself suggests a certain level of exclusivity and social standing, associating the sandwich with a particular class and lifestyle. This subtle association would later be exploited by authors seeking to convey social commentary or character nuances.
Analysis of “Club Sandwich” in Literature
Beyond the Literal: A Metaphor for Routine and Mundanity
Authors frequently use the “club sandwich” to symbolize the ordinary, the predictable, and sometimes the stifling nature of daily life. It represents comfort food, a familiar constant in a changing world. In many narratives, the mention of a “club sandwich” can subtly establish a sense of normalcy, grounding the reader in a particular time and place. However, this normalcy can also be presented as a trap.
For example, consider a scene where a character mindlessly orders a “club sandwich” despite feeling unfulfilled. The sandwich then becomes a symbol of their inertia and their unwillingness to break free from routine. The simple act of ordering—or refusing—a “club sandwich” can then reveal a great deal about the character’s internal state.
Club Sandwich as a Representation of Layered Complexity
The very structure of a “club sandwich” and multiple layers of ingredients stacked between slices of bread lends itself to metaphorical interpretations. It can symbolize complex relationships, intricate plots, or characters with hidden depths. Each layer can represent a different facet of a person’s personality, a hidden secret, or a complicated past.
An author might describe a character’s life as a “club sandwich”, seemingly straightforward on the surface, but filled with unexpected ingredients and flavors when examined more closely. This technique allows the author to hint at underlying complexities without resorting to explicit exposition.
The ‘Club Sandwich’ as a Symbol of Being ‘Sandwiched’ and Pressured from All Sides
Perhaps the most potent metaphorical usage of the “club sandwich” lies in its representation of being “sandwiched” and caught between conflicting demands or responsibilities. This interpretation gained prominence with Lisa Samson’s novel, Club Sandwich, which depicts a woman overwhelmed by the needs of her family and aging parents.
However, this usage extends beyond familial pressures. A character might feel “sandwiched” between their career aspirations and their personal life, between tradition and modernity, or between loyalty and ambition. The “club sandwich” becomes a visual and conceptual shorthand for this feeling of being squeezed from all sides.
Examples of “Club Sandwich” in Literary Works
Example #1: Gig Ryan’s “Not a Penny Sonnet”
‘Remember the “club sandwich?”
The book launch with plates of water biscuits and there’s always the ‘club sandwich’ you said. We keep
splicing letters into words, our defense verbal tattoos, reading aloud, using our wits
to string along an empty audience, noting the girl driving by in her low slung Torana
Here, the “club sandwich” acts as a grounding element, a shared memory between characters. It represents a moment of normalcy amidst the artificiality of a book launch and the performance of intellectualism. The repetition of the phrase emphasizes its significance as a symbol of authentic connection.
Example #2: Ronald Lee Webb’s “Penthouse Princess”
Rose wants me to pick up a club sandwich for lunch,
and will watch us from her penthouse perch.
I want to stop and smell the roses so much,
but Princess moves as fast as a car from Daytona Beach.
In this excerpt, the “club sandwich” is presented as a mundane request juxtaposed with a glamorous setting. It highlights the disconnect between the protagonist’s desires (to enjoy simple pleasures) and the fast-paced, superficial world of “Princess.” The sandwich represents ordinary pleasures being overlooked in pursuit of something more extravagant.
Example #3: Lisa Samson’s Club Sandwich
As previously mentioned, Samson’s novel directly employs the “club sandwich” as a metaphor for a woman overwhelmed by familial responsibilities. The title itself encapsulates the protagonist’s feeling of being “sandwiched” between the demands of her children, her aging parents, and her own unfulfilled desires. The novel explores the emotional toll of being a caregiver and the struggle to maintain a sense of self amidst overwhelming pressures.
Example #4: Lisa Plumley’s Perfect Together
She approached her next table in the busy restaurant, efficiently handing out menus.
“Hello, I’m Carly and I’ll be your waitress today. Our specials are the Reuben plate with onion rings or the club sandwich, and the soup of the day is. She took her order pad and glanced up. You! I can’t believe you have the nerve to show up here.”
Sondra and Brian grinned back at her. Beside Brian, Meredith sat with her nose in a book. It was thick and oversized, like a glossy coffee table collectible. Knowing her twin sister, though, Marley figured the volume was more likely one of these dreary old historical texts.
“I’ll have the club sandwich,” Brian said.
Here, the “club sandwich” is a simple, everyday offering within a more complex social interaction. While not carrying significant metaphorical weight in this passage, it establishes a sense of realism and normalcy within the restaurant setting, allowing the drama of the ensuing encounter to stand out in contrast.
Beyond Literature: The Enduring Appeal of the “Club Sandwich”
The “club sandwich” has remained a popular culinary item for over a century, and its cultural significance extends beyond literature. It’s a symbol of American diner culture, a comforting classic enjoyed by generations. Its versatility and endless variations in ingredients and presentation allow it to adapt to changing tastes and preferences.
Ultimately, the enduring appeal of the “club sandwich” and both as a food and a literary device lies in its ability to evoke a sense of familiarity, comfort, and complexity. It’s a seemingly simple creation that holds within it layers of meaning, inviting us to look beyond the surface and appreciate the richness of life.