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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)] |
“On this the White Rabbit blew three blasts on the trumpet, and then unrolled the parchment scroll and read as follows:-
'The Queen of Hearts, she made some tarts,
'The Queen of Hearts, she made some tarts,
All on a summer day:
The Knave of Hearts, he stole those tarts
And took them quite away!'” (p129)
I have awarded this recipe a difficulty rating of: ★★
Ingredients:
♥ 12 teaspoons strawberry jam (or another flavour of your choice)
♥ 28g sugar
♥ 255g plain flour
♥ 140g hard margarine or butter
♥ 6 tablespoons cold water
♥ Icing sugar (to dust)
♥ 255g plain flour
♥ 140g hard margarine or butter
♥ 6 tablespoons cold water
♥ Icing sugar (to dust)
Recipe:
1) Preheat the oven to Gas Mark 5.
2) Gently sieve the flour into a medium-sized mixing bowl and add sugar.
3) Using finger tips, rub in the butter until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
4) Add the water a tablespoon at a time to form a moist dough.
5) Grease a cupcake tray and cut the pastry into suitably sized circles.
6) Carefully fill each pastry with a teaspoon of jam.
7) Bake in the oven for 12-15 minutes.
8) Leave to cool before lightly dusting with icing sugar.
To satisfy my sweet tooth I added an extra generous dollop of jam to each pastry case, ignoring the recipe's 'one teaspoon rule' . Not wanting to waste the extra dough and keeping in mind the Alice in Wonderland theme, I made a paper heart stencil, excitedly decorating my tarts before popping them into the oven to bake.
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And so on a lazy Sunday afternoon, I took it upon myself to attempt to bake some truly scrumptious jam tarts (fearing the Queen would angrily proclaim 'off with her head!' should I fail). After a quick dash to Asda - the supermarket of choice for many students - I flicked on the oven and set about measuring out the flour.
Having added the sugar and butter, it was time for the 'fun' bit - although I use this term lightly. Mixing together the ingredients with my fingertips, every squelch sent shudders. It was at this point I realised that my false nails really weren't helping matters, so quickly whacked on a pair of marigolds.
After reluctantly getting the mix to form a soft dough, I lightly dusted the kitchen surface... the worktop soon appearing as though an avalanche had befallen it. It was time to roll out the dough when tragedy struck. Neither me, nor my housemates, actually owned a rolling pin. No worries, crisis averted, an empty wine bottle will do the trick.
To satisfy my sweet tooth I added an extra generous dollop of jam to each pastry case, ignoring the recipe's 'one teaspoon rule' . Not wanting to waste the extra dough and keeping in mind the Alice in Wonderland theme, I made a paper heart stencil, excitedly decorating my tarts before popping them into the oven to bake.
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In term of Alice in Wonderland, it could be argued that the Queen's jam tarts are a symbol of her social status. The rich, red jam representative of her royal blood - as well as of those who she has beheaded during her time of the throne.
The idea of the dish as a 'sweet treat' which appeals to children is also reflected within the text, Alice admires the tarts, exposing the supposedly greedy habits of children. However, it is the King of Knaves whose greed is most overwhelming, having stolen the indulgent tarts. Could this be yet another reference/attack by Carroll on social class?
It could be suggested that jam tarts were an example of a 'classless' pudding - enjoyed at lavish afternoon teas yet comprised of easily available and low cost ingredients.
Works Cited:
Carroll, Lewis. Alice in Wonderland. London: Wordsworth Editions, 2001.
It could be suggested that jam tarts were an example of a 'classless' pudding - enjoyed at lavish afternoon teas yet comprised of easily available and low cost ingredients.
Works Cited:
Carroll, Lewis. Alice in Wonderland. London: Wordsworth Editions, 2001.
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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.