Marriott examines the importance of birthday cakes and related celebrations in the lives of Americans. By examining the emotional connections one draws to the flavors, shapes, themes, frosting, texture, taste and over-all aesthetics of the birthday cake, inferences are drawn with the personality, preference and family traditions of the individual. Through the connecting of the stories she has collected to existent American social theories, Marriott declares the celebration of individuality through these birthday cake have an indisputable role in the American identity as a whole. Created by Jennifer Marriott while enrolled in Jill Rudy's English 392 course during winter semester of 2005.