During the first half of the twentieth century, a common food for American blacks, especially in the south, was what is known as "soul food." Soul food does not come in any specific type or form. Soul food is merely any food that has a deep-rooted tradition in black heritage. This tradition is very localized; there is no one food that one could classify as "soul food" because soul food is an objective term. Usually, soul food makes one remember the positive aspects of black life in America. There is a story behind all soul food. Soul food reminds the black American of grandmother's cooking, of life at home, or of a younger, more innocent time. It gives a warm feeling to the eater, that "feeds the soul," hence the name. In Invisible Man, some examples of food would be the yams, pork chops, and grits that reminded Invisible Man of home. Soul food was not expensive food since blacks in the first half of this century could not afford such extravagance, yet the food created a sense of pride. Children would often brag "My grandma makes the best macaroni and cheese in the world." This is a prime example of soul food. It is not expensive, and really there is nothing special about macaroni and cheese. It just gives the person warmth and pride in an otherwise cold world. This is the essence of soul food.

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