Showing posts with label Table Manners. Show all posts
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| [Image courtesy of Walt Disney, Alice in Wonderland (1951)] |
"The White Rabbit put on his spectacles. 'Where shall I begin, please your Majesty?', he asked.
'Begin at the beginning', the King said gravely, 'and go on till you come to the end: then stop'." (p139)
In conclusion, it is clear that food is a prominent theme throughout Lewis Carroll's fantasy novel Alice in Wonderland. Within the text, food has a vital role in the progression of the narrative - for example, Alice could not pass through the door to the garden if she did not eat the cake.
The food mentioned within the novel is often incredibly symbolic, most commonly used as a representation of childhood, indicator of social class and to foreshadow future events.
Throughout the years, Carroll's masterpiece has influenced generations of creatives - inspiring songs such as Jefferson Airplane's White Rabbit, cook books and even this very blog - demonstrating a shared readership, a text that appeals to both children and adults alike.
Without doubt, my favourite aspect of this blog has been the opportunity to once again bring to life 'wonderland'. Stepping back from the stresses of university every Sunday afternoon to bake has been the perfect outlet, transporting me away to another reality - if only for an hour. The social aspect of cooking was another unexpected delight, sweetening the bond between me and my housemates, if you'll excuse the pun.
Works Cited:
Carroll, Lewis. Alice in Wonderland. London: Wordsworth Editions, 2001.
In conclusion, it is clear that food is a prominent theme throughout Lewis Carroll's fantasy novel Alice in Wonderland. Within the text, food has a vital role in the progression of the narrative - for example, Alice could not pass through the door to the garden if she did not eat the cake.
The food mentioned within the novel is often incredibly symbolic, most commonly used as a representation of childhood, indicator of social class and to foreshadow future events.
Throughout the years, Carroll's masterpiece has influenced generations of creatives - inspiring songs such as Jefferson Airplane's White Rabbit, cook books and even this very blog - demonstrating a shared readership, a text that appeals to both children and adults alike.
Without doubt, my favourite aspect of this blog has been the opportunity to once again bring to life 'wonderland'. Stepping back from the stresses of university every Sunday afternoon to bake has been the perfect outlet, transporting me away to another reality - if only for an hour. The social aspect of cooking was another unexpected delight, sweetening the bond between me and my housemates, if you'll excuse the pun.
Works Cited:
Carroll, Lewis. Alice in Wonderland. London: Wordsworth Editions, 2001.
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| [Image courtesy of Walt Disney, Alice in Wonderland (1951)] |
"Alice looked all around the table, but there was nothing on it but tea. 'I don't see any wine', she remarked. 'There isn't any', said the March Hare. 'Then it wasn't very civil of you to offer it', said Alice angrily. 'It wasn't very civil of you to sit down without being invited', said the March Hare." (p91)
Arguably one of the most recognisable scenes within Alice in Wonderland, the novel's seventh chapter 'A Mad Tea Party' subverts the well-established Victorian conventions regarding table manner and etiquette, which were popular at the time.
The chaotic nature of the Mad Hatter's tea party completely opposes tradition in a variety of ways, amusing and shocking readers in equal measure. Carroll purposely disrupts any sense of order, replacing it with a nonchalant craziness.The broken saucers and spilled cups which occupy the table merely emphasise the erratic nature of both the scene and the characters. This contrasts heavily with the Victorian notion of afternoon tea, which often required careful handling of fine china and sought to appear dainty in almost every aspect.
Throughout the scene Carroll also makes numerous attempts to reveal to his readers further information regarding the identity of Alice. Her constant debate with the Mad Hatter, March Hare and Dormouse in relation to correct table manners indicates that she is a middle class background. Alice's insistence that their behaviour improve demonstrates a momentary lapse of fantasy, a reminder of the importance of pleasantries.
Whilst undertaking some wider reading I stumbled upon a marvelously written essay which not only analyses this particular chapter in detail but also provides an extensive discussion of Victorian etiquette manuals. If you would like to learn more, click here.
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In an attempt to make a mockery of the strictness of Victorian dining, Alice in Wonderland author Lewis Carroll published Hints for Etiquette; Or, Dining Out Made Easy (1932). A parody of the vastly popular Hints on Etiquette and the Usages of Society, first published in 1834, the text takes a comical approach, juxtaposing the seriousness nature of its inspiration.
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| [Image courtesy of Bonnefant Press] |
It is clear from the very outset of the text - 'as caterers for the public taste...' - that Carroll considers the dictation of dining etiquette by self-appointed 'experts' as laughable. The opening peritext preceding his list of nine rules is incredibly sarcastic in terms of tone, making a mockery of so-called social expectations.
His second rule, alongside discussing the consumption of soup, states that 'the custom of asking your host his opinion of the weather immediately on the removal of the first course still prevails'. It could be suggested this is a reference to the mundane, stifled nature of the Victorian dining experience, bound by social constraints. As an author, Carroll is implying that the sheer number of restraints placed on diners leaves them with little room to maneuver, ruining the sense of occasion.
The eighth rule is particularly intriguing as it could be interpreted in a variety of different ways, depending on the era. He informs his readers that 'as a general rule, do not kick the shins of the person opposite you, if personally unacquainted with him; your pleasantry is liable to be misunderstood'. It could be argued that this rule has clear homosexual undertones, perhaps an attempt to goad and/or outrage his readers.
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| [Image courtesy of Bonnefant Press] |
Works Cited:
Carroll, Lewis. Alice in Wonderland. London: Wordsworth Editions, 2001.
Carroll, Lewis. Hint's for Etiquette; Or, Dining Out Made Easy. United States: Bonnefant Press, 1990.
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| [Image courtesy of Walt Disney, Alice in Wonderland (1951)] |
“Why, sometimes I've believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast.” (p211)
Within this blog I intend to research and explore the importance of food within Victorian literature, with particular focus on Lewis Carroll's wildly famous 1865 publication, Alice in Wonderland.
Whilst Alice in Wonderland may be better known for it's vivid portrayal of adventures through the rabbit hole, food is without doubt of great importance to the narrative - often at the very heart of Alice's experiences.
My love of Alice in Wonderland stems from my childhood; fascinated by visions of the Cheshire Cat, in awe of the March Hare and captivated by the Mock Turtle's sorrowful story. This passion continued throughout my teenager years (throwing an alcohol and sandwich fueled Mad Hatter's tea party for my nineteenth birthday) and into my adulthood (a tattoo of a twisted Alice reality).
Throughout my blog I have concentrated my thoughts on the following aspects...
♥ Readership e.g. Who is the intended audience? How is this implied?
♥ Symbolism e.g. What is the food's impact on the narrative or recipe? What does it represent?
♥ Context e.g. Does the food in question have a cultural or historical significance?
Unless stated otherwise, all quotes within the blog are taken from the following text -
Carroll, Lewis. Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. London: Wordsworth Editions, 2001.
Whilst Alice in Wonderland may be better known for it's vivid portrayal of adventures through the rabbit hole, food is without doubt of great importance to the narrative - often at the very heart of Alice's experiences.
My love of Alice in Wonderland stems from my childhood; fascinated by visions of the Cheshire Cat, in awe of the March Hare and captivated by the Mock Turtle's sorrowful story. This passion continued throughout my teenager years (throwing an alcohol and sandwich fueled Mad Hatter's tea party for my nineteenth birthday) and into my adulthood (a tattoo of a twisted Alice reality).
Throughout my blog I have concentrated my thoughts on the following aspects...
♥ Readership e.g. Who is the intended audience? How is this implied?
♥ Symbolism e.g. What is the food's impact on the narrative or recipe? What does it represent?
♥ Context e.g. Does the food in question have a cultural or historical significance?
Unless stated otherwise, all quotes within the blog are taken from the following text -
Carroll, Lewis. Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. London: Wordsworth Editions, 2001.