The Cinnamon Peeler

A detailed Summary of The Cinnamon Peeler

"I am the cinnamon peeler's wife. Smell me" (ll. 45-46). "The Cinnamon

Peeler", written by Michael Ondaatje, is a story of the relationship between a cinnamon

peeler and his wife. Ondaatje uses excessive imagery as to allow his readers to

visualize the interactions between this husband and wife. In the first few stanzas off the

poem, Ondaatje conveys to his audience the power that this said cinnamon smell can

hold. Towards the middle of the poem, the nuisance of such a fragrant smell is

expressed. At the conclusion of his poem, Ondaatje shows the importance and need for

the cinnamon smell to exist in this couple's relationship.

"You will be known among strangers as the cinnamon peeler's wife" (ll. 17-18).

The very first stanza of this poem represents the cinnamon smell the peeler carries with

him wherever he goes. There is a yellow bark dust that he carries with him and leaves

strong and powerful. It is difficult to lessen the smell, even in the slightest.

"I could hardly glance at you before marriage, never touch you" (ll. 19-21).

free, you could hold me and be blind of smell" (ll. 28-30). The peeler's wife soon

More so, Michael Ondaatje wanted to tell more then a story about a cinnamon peeler,

her as to not allow her to absorb the smell. Her "keen-nosed mother" and "rough

Approximate Word count = 624
Approximate Pages = 2 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English

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