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On July 13, 2024, Kasie and Rex continued the trek through the 7 deadly sins with gluttony. Here are the show notes:

Theme for the day

Seven Deadly Sins: Gluttony

Agenda

• Quick Catch Up
• Seven Deadly Sins: what are they?
• Focus on Gluttony

Segments 1 & 2

We took last week off for the holiday weekend but we’re back this week to finish the Seven Deadly Sins series. Remember we did this one before, but it’s been a couple of years. This blog gives a quick summary of all seven sins and some examples of how to use them. 

The Seven Deadly Sins (this link) in Roman Catholic theology, are the seven vices that spur other sins and further immoral behavior. First enumerated by Pope Gregory I (the Great) in the 6th century and elaborated in the 13th century by St. Thomas Aquinas.

The sins are:

• Pride
• Greed
• Lust
• Envy
• Gluttony
• Wrath
• Sloth

Like I said, we’ve done these before (episodes 151–157), but it’s been a while and this time we’re going to sharpen the focus on the sins as potential stakes-raising behaviors.

This week’s focus is Gluttony. What do we know about gluttony? Let’s ask AI.

Gluttony is often associated with overeating, but it can also refer to overconsumption, such as drinking too much or bingeing on Netflix. A gluttonous character may prioritize their own pleasure and satisfaction over their health or responsibilities, and may struggle with self-control and moderation. A primary goal for the gluttonous is comfort, and they may seek an overabundance of any item that’s pleasurable to achieve constant pampering. 

Some examples of gluttony in literature include:

• Beauty and the Beast: Gaston eats five dozen eggs every morning
• Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs: The mayor, Bruce Campbell, keeps getting fatter as he gets more corrupt
• Jabba the Hut from Star Wars
• Falstaff from Henry V

This link suggests gluttony can also be a character’s effort to fill their own emptiness or a perceived void in their lives or experience. She contrasts gluttony with greed in this way: “greed wants to have more. Gluttony wants to enjoy more.”

This author reviews all of the deadly sins and admits gluttony is usually about food or overeating. When we binge other things (sex = lust) we tip over into the other sins.

This write up on the seven deadly sins lists these aspects of applying the gluttony motivation: 1) Motive: comfort, the gluttonous desire pampering in the overabundance, 2) Method: gluttons rely upon voluminous resources to achieve their ends; 3) Flaw: waste is the obvious negative side effect, but also ignoring other more important things in pursuit of their abundance.

Segments 3 & 4

What are some causes of gluttony? (this link from ProWritingAid)

• Emotional trauma or stress leading to overeating as a coping mechanism
• Cultural or societal norms that promote overeating or indulgence
• Medical conditions or medications that stimulate appetite or affect metabolism
• Lack of self-control or discipline in managing food intake
• Genetic predisposition or family history of overeating
• Environmental factors, such as easy access to abundant and unhealthy food options

Some character behaviors associated with gluttony (same ProWritingAid link):

• Hoarding food or obsessing over food
• Binge eating or engaging in food-related behaviors that lead to feelings of guilt or shame
• Overindulging in alcohol or other substances
• Eating even when not hungry or full
• Being insensitive to others’ needs or desires for food
• Overeating or eating excessively
• Eating too quickly or consuming large amounts of food in a short period of time

Facial expressions associated with being gluttonous (same ProWritingAid link):

• Reaching for food quickly or aggressively
• Frowning or pouting when food is taken away or not available
• Ignoring others in favor of food
• Eating quickly or voraciously
• Bloated or swollen cheeks
• Greedy or intense eyes
• Chewing with mouth open
• Wide-open mouth
• Licking lips frequently