Who doesn’t love food? Everybody loves eating, savoring, and trying out new delicacies that reflect the culture and tradition of each country. Food is given so much importance so much so that it has penetrated the realms of Literature.
Children’s book authors use food in their writing to gain the attention of their readers. Food is extensively used in children’s literature. One must also understand that food was used widely in children’s books to also bring out many themes like civilization, community, etc.
Food and almost all of Enid Blyton’s novels can be considered intertwined. Apart from the aspect of adventure, food can be seen as the other predominant theme in all of her works. Blyton's description of food not only makes the readers crave for more but also instills a thought, of the reason behind such a vivid portrayal of food.
Food - Embedding moral values and constructing childhood:
Food used in every child’s book can be seen as a tool to shape childhood. Food in a subtle way impresses the moral values that society expects from a child. In other words, food is seen as a vehicle to teach moral values that a child should learn in their childhood.
Food - Embedding moral values and constructing childhood:
Food used in every child’s book can be seen as a tool to shape childhood. Food in a subtle way impresses the moral values that society expects from a child. In other words, food is seen as a vehicle to teach moral values that a child should learn in their childhood.
Food in all of Enid Blyton’s works is always brought out through the portrayal of feasting. In Blyton’s books, eating food is the central focal point that brings children together. This in turn ingrains the value of having a bond with family and friends.
This idea of feasting is recurrent across Blyton’s novels. We see an instance from the book Five Fall into Adventure where they are all having a good time together, “The five of them had a lovely time that evening. They had tea about half-past five and then bought what they wanted for supper and breakfast. New rolls, anchovy paste, a big round jam tart, oranges, lime juice, fat lettuce, and some jam sandwiches!”
Food as a Cultural Signifier:
Food can be seen as a signifier of the culture and the society of a specific period. Enid Blyton was born during the Edwardian era into a middle-class family. Her Edwardian upbringing highly influenced how she described her meals in all of her works. The description of her food can be seen as a reflection of her Edwardian principles.
The Edwardian era is the period in British history that covers the brief reign of King Edward VII. This period was often perceived as the golden age of tea parties and summer afternoons.
Enid Blyton’s works reflected that the Edwardians indulged in highly rich food. In one of her books Five go on a hike we see a rich diet described;
“A very large tray. On it was a steaming porridge, a bowl of golden syrup, a jug of very thick cream, and a dish of bacon and eggs, all piled high on a crisp of brown toast. Little mushrooms were on the same dish …. toasts, marmalade, and butter to come and the coffee and hot milk”
“A very large tray. On it was a steaming porridge, a bowl of golden syrup, a jug of very thick cream, and a dish of bacon and eggs, all piled high on a crisp of brown toast. Little mushrooms were on the same dish …. toasts, marmalade, and butter to come and the coffee and hot milk”
Now didn't your mouth water?
Not many have explored or even understood how and why food is a major motif used in Children’s literature. The importance of food in every child's book is an important aspect that requires discussion. The best way to start is with Enid Blyton’s works!
Written By - Daniel Deepak Charles
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