Themes and message

The main themes explored in “Sweet Cream” by Julia Kelk are cultural differences and loneliness (alienation). Using the motif of wedding traditions, the author manages to combine both themes and to draw attention to the challenges people have in reintegrating into their native societies after living abroad, as well as to the frustrations that come with the social pressure created by customs and traditions.

Cultural differences

The theme of cultural differences is explored through the main character, the setting, and the plot. The main character is Jenny, a young Mexican woman who has returned home after studying English in Canada. Living in Canada has exposed Jenny to a different culture and has changed her perspective on Mexican culture.

Jenny is critical of people borrowing customs from other cultures but which lack authenticity. At the wedding, the cake is made in an American style, but it is half made of cardboard. Ironically, Mexicans have no problem with the half-fake American cake, but have a problem with Jenny acting in an American way...

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Loneliness and alienation

The theme of loneliness and alienation is explored through the characters of Jenny and Fernando. Fernando is an old man (probably a widower) whose isolation is caused by his age. He is physically unable to move around and dance, as he would probably like to.

Jenny experiences both emotional and social alienation. On the one hand, she has returned from Canada changed by her experience there,...

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