The Ending of Fried Green Tomatoes: Explained

Fried green tomatoes are a classic Southern dish that has become popular around the world. These tangy and crunchy treats are made by slicing unripe green tomatoes, coating them in cornmeal or flour and frying them until golden brown. Often served as a side dish or starter, they can also be used in sandwiches or salads.

The popularity of fried green tomatoes has been boosted by their appearance in popular culture, most notably in the 1991 film ‘Fried Green Tomatoes’. Based on the novel “Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe” by Fannie Flagg, the film tells the story of two women in different time periods who form a deep bond over their love of fried green tomatoes.

While the film is loved for its heartwarming story and memorable characters, it is also known for its ambiguous and somewhat confusing ending. Many viewers are left wondering what exactly happens at the end of Fried Green Tomatoes and what it all means.

In this article, we will take a closer look at the ending of Fried Green Tomatoes and examine the various interpretations and theories surrounding it. Whether you’re a fan of the film or just curious about the ending, we’ll delve into the symbolism and significance of this iconic scene.

Important Facts

1. The ending of “Fried Green Tomatoes” is known for being ambiguous and open to interpretation.
2. The film tells the story of two women, Evelyn and Ninny, who form a deep bond over their love of fried green tomatoes.
3. Throughout the movie, Ninny tells Evelyn stories about her life in the town of Whistle Stop, Alabama, in the 1920s and 1930s.
4. At the end of the movie, Evelyn returns to the nursing home to visit Ninny, only to find that she has passed away.
5. As Evelyn leaves the home, she sees a group of people who closely resemble the characters from Ninny’s stories, including Idgie and Ruth.
6. The implication is that these characters are still alive and that their legacy lives on through the people of Whistle Stop.
7. There are different interpretations of the ending, including the characters being seen as ghosts or spirits, a symbol of the enduring legacy of Whistle Stop, or a figment of Evelyn’s imagination.
8. The ending of “Fried Green Tomatoes” is rich in symbolism and explores themes of friendship, love, community, and the passage of time.

Plot summary of Fried Green Tomatoes

Before we can fully understand the ending of Fried Green Tomatoes, it’s important to have a basic understanding of the film’s plot. Based on the novel “Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe” by Fannie Flagg, the film tells the story of two women in different time periods who form a deep and lasting friendship.

The main story is set in the 1980s and follows Evelyn Couch, a middle-aged housewife who feels unfulfilled and disconnected from her husband. While visiting a nursing home with her husband’s aunt, Evelyn meets Ninny Threadgoode, an elderly woman who begins to tell her stories about her life in the town of Whistle Stop, Alabama, in the 1920s and 1930s.

Through Ninny’s stories, we are introduced to a cast of colourful characters, including Idgie Threadgoode, a fiercely independent and free-spirited woman who runs the Whistle Stop Cafe with her friend Ruth. Idgie and Ruth’s relationship is at the heart of the story, and their bond is tested by a variety of challenges, including racism, homophobia and domestic abuse.

As the film progresses, we see Evelyn become increasingly invested in Ninny’s stories and the lives of the people of Whistle Stop. She begins to draw parallels between their experiences and her own, and eventually finds the strength to stand up for herself and pursue her own passions.

At the end of Fried Green Tomatoes, Evelyn returns to the nursing home to visit Ninny, only to find that she has died. However, as she leaves the home, she sees a group of people who closely resemble the characters from Ninny’s stories, including Idgie and Ruth. The implication is that these characters are still alive and that their legacy lives on through the people of Whistle Stop.

This ending has been the subject of much debate and interpretation over the years, with many viewers wondering if the characters are meant to be seen as ghosts.

The end of Fried Green Tomatoes: What happens?

The ending of “Fried Green Tomatoes” has been the subject of much debate and interpretation since the film was released in 1991. In the scene in question, Evelyn leaves the nursing home after visiting Ninny, only to see a group of people who strongly resemble the characters from Ninny’s stories, including Idgie and Ruth. The scene is brief and somewhat ambiguous, leaving many viewers wondering about the true meaning behind it.

One interpretation of the ending is that the characters are to be seen as ghosts or spirits. This theory is supported by the fact that the characters appear to be dressed in clothes from the 1920s and 1930s, and that they are gathered in a place that Evelyn has never seen before. Some viewers also point out that the characters seem to be looking directly at Evelyn, as if acknowledging her presence.

Another interpretation is that the figures are not meant to be taken literally, but rather as a symbol of the enduring legacy of Whistle Stop and the people who lived there. This theory is supported by the fact that the characters are not explicitly identified as Idgie, Ruth or any of the other characters from the story. Instead, they are simply a group of people who resemble them.

Another interpretation is that the characters are a figment of Evelyn’s imagination, brought on by her deep connection to Ninny’s stories and the people of Whistle Stop. This theory is supported by the fact that the characters seem to disappear as soon as Evelyn looks away, suggesting that they may not have been real to begin with.

Ultimately, the true meaning of the ending of Fried Green Tomatoes is open to interpretation. Some viewers may see the characters as ghosts or spirits, while others may see them as a symbol of Whistle Stop’s enduring legacy. Still others may see them as a figment of Evelyn’s imagination, brought on by her deep emotion.

Exploring the symbolism in the ending of Fried Green Tomatoes

The ending of Fried Green Tomatoes is rich in symbolism and meaning, and has been the subject of much interpretation and analysis over the years. One of the key elements of the scene is the appearance of characters who closely resemble the people in Ninny’s stories, including Idgie and Ruth. These characters represent the enduring legacy of Whistle Stop and the people who lived there, and serve as a powerful symbol of the power of friendship, love and community.

Another important symbol in the ending of Fried Green Tomatoes is the green train that passes by as Evelyn leaves the nursing home. This train is a callback to an earlier scene in the film in which Idgie and Ruth use a train to escape a dangerous situation. The appearance of the train in the ending suggests that the characters and their legacy are still alive and that their story continues to inspire and influence others.

The fact that the characters are not explicitly identified as Idgie, Ruth or any of the other characters from the story is also significant. This allows them to serve as a more universal symbol of the enduring power of friendship and community, rather than simply representing specific individuals.

The ending of Fried Green Tomatoes also touches on themes of mortality and the passage of time. The fact that Ninny has passed away serves as a reminder of the fleeting nature of life, and the importance of cherishing the memories and legacies of those who have gone before us.

Fan theories about the end of Fried Green Tomatoes

The ending of Fried Green Tomatoes has sparked a number of fan theories and interpretations over the years, with viewers offering a wide range of explanations for the appearance of the characters at the end of the film. Some of the more popular fan theories include

1. The characters are ghosts: This is perhaps the most common interpretation of the ending, with many viewers seeing the characters as the ghosts of the people who once lived in Whistle Stop. This theory is supported by the fact that the characters are dressed in clothes from the 1920s and 1930s and seem to be looking directly at Evelyn.
2. The characters are a figment of Evelyn’s imagination: Another popular theory is that the characters are not real, but rather a manifestation of Evelyn’s deep emotional connection to Ninny’s stories and the people of Whistle Stop. This theory is supported by the fact that the characters disappear as soon as Evelyn looks away, suggesting that they may not have been real to begin with.
3. The characters represent the lasting legacy of Whistle Stop: Some viewers interpret the appearance of the characters as a symbol of the lasting impact that the people of Whistle Stop have had on their community and the world around them. This theory is supported by the fact that the characters are not explicitly identified as specific individuals, allowing them to serve as a more universal symbol of the power of community and friendship.
4. For Evelyn, the characters are a sign of hope:

While there is no one “correct” interpretation of the ending of Fried Green Tomatoes, these fan theories demonstrate the lasting impact the film has had on viewers over the years. Whether you see the characters as ghosts, symbols or a figment of Evelyn’s imagination, the scene remains a powerful reminder of the enduring power of love, friendship and community, and the importance of honoring the legacies of those who have gone before us.

Conclusion

The ending of Fried Green Tomatoes is a powerful and poignant scene that has left a lasting impression on viewers over the years. Whether you interpret the characters as ghosts, symbols or a figment of Evelyn’s imagination, the scene serves as a reminder of the enduring power of love, friendship and community, and the importance of honoring the legacies of those who have gone before us.

The fact that the ending has sparked so much debate and interpretation is a testament to the film’s enduring appeal and significance. Decades after its release, Fried Green Tomatoes continues to inspire and influence audiences around the world, encouraging us to reflect on our own lives and the importance of the people and communities that shape us.

Ultimately, the true meaning of the ending of Fried Green Tomatoes is open to interpretation, and each viewer may see it in a slightly different way. But no matter how you interpret the scene, one thing is clear: the characters and their stories resonate with us long after the film ends, reminding us of the enduring power of love, friendship and community in our own lives.

In conclusion, the ending of Fried Green Tomatoes is a testament to the film’s enduring appeal and significance, and serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of honoring the legacies of those who have gone before us. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the film or discovering it for the first time, the ending is sure to leave a lasting impression and inspire further reflection on the enduring power of love, friendship and community.

FAQs

What is the ending of “Fried Green Tomatoes”?

The ending of “Fried Green Tomatoes” sees Evelyn leaving the nursing home after visiting Ninny, only to see a group of people who strongly resemble the characters from Ninny’s stories, including Idgie and Ruth. The scene is brief and somewhat ambiguous, leaving many viewers wondering about the true meaning behind it.

What do the characters at the end of “Fried Green Tomatoes” represent?

The characters at the end of “Fried Green Tomatoes” represent the enduring legacy of Whistle Stop and the people who lived there. They serve as a powerful symbol of the power of friendship, love, and community, and remind us of the importance of cherishing the legacies of those who came before us.

What are some fan theories about the ending of “Fried Green Tomatoes”?

Some fan theories about the ending of “Fried Green Tomatoes” include the idea that the characters are ghosts or spirits, a figment of Evelyn’s imagination, or a symbol of the enduring legacy of Whistle Stop. Each theory offers a unique interpretation of the scene and its meaning.

Why is the ending of “Fried Green Tomatoes” so important?

The ending of “Fried Green Tomatoes” is important because it serves as apowerful reminder of the enduring power of love, friendship, and community, and the importance of cherishing the legacies of those who came before us. The scene has sparked debate and interpretation over the years, demonstrating the lasting impact that the movie has had on viewers around the world.

What is the significance of the green train in the ending of “Fried Green Tomatoes”?

The green train in the ending of “Fried Green Tomatoes” is a symbol of the enduring legacy of Whistle Stop and the people who lived there. It serves as a reminder that their story continues to inspire and influence others, and that their legacy lives on through the people and places they touched.