Cuisine and Class in the Works of Phillips Oppenheim

Phillips Oppenheim was a prolific British author of the early 20th century, known for his thrilling spy novels and tales of high society. His work is full of vivid descriptions of food and dining, which provide valuable insights into the social and cultural values of the Edwardian era.

The English Taste: Cuisine and Class in the Works of E. Phillips Oppenheim

by Tim Parise

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4254 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	463 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Food and Social Status

In Oppenheim's novels, food is often used as a way to signify social status. The wealthy characters in his stories are typically described as eating lavish meals, while the poor characters are often depicted as eating simple, meager fare. This is reflected in the language that Oppenheim uses to describe food. For example, the wealthy characters often eat "delicacies" and "delicacies," while the poor characters eat "plain food" and "humble fare."

The association between food and social status is not always explicit in Oppenheim's work. However, it is often implied through the characters' interactions with food. For example, in the novel The Great Prince Shan, the protagonist, a wealthy aristocrat, is described as being very particular about his food. He only eats the finest cuisine, and he is always served by a team of expert chefs. In contrast, the novel's antagonist, a poor revolutionary, is described as being very simple in his eating habits. He is content to eat whatever is available, and he is not concerned with the quality of his food.

Food as a Form of Entertainment

Food is also used as a form of entertainment in Oppenheim's novels. The wealthy characters in his stories often host lavish dinner parties, which are described in great detail. These parties are often used as a way to show off the hosts' wealth and status. The food is always exquisite, and the guests are often entertained by musicians and dancers.

The poor characters in Oppenheim's novels are rarely depicted as attending such lavish parties. However, they do sometimes find ways to enjoy food as a form of entertainment. For example, in the novel The Mysterious Mr. Sabin, the protagonist, a poor artist, is described as finding great pleasure in eating simple meals at a local café. He enjoys the company of the other customers, and he finds the food to be delicious.

Food as a Reflection of Character

In addition to signifying social status and providing entertainment, food can also be used to reflect the characters in Oppenheim's novels. For example, the wealthy characters in his stories are often described as being very particular about their food. This is because they are used to the finest things in life, and they are not willing to settle for anything less.

In contrast, the poor characters in Oppenheim's novels are often depicted as being very simple in their eating habits. This is because they are not used to the finer things in life, and they are not concerned with the quality of their food. However, this does not mean that the poor characters in Oppenheim's novels do not enjoy food. They simply have different tastes than the wealthy characters.

Food plays an important role in the works of Phillips Oppenheim. It is used to signify social status, provide entertainment, and reflect the characters. Oppenheim's work provides valuable insights into the social and cultural values of the Edwardian era.

Below are some additional resources that you may find interesting:

• Phillips Oppenheim at Project Gutenberg
• Phillips Oppenheim at Fantastic Fiction
• Phillips Oppenheim at Goodreads

The English Taste: Cuisine and Class in the Works of E. Phillips Oppenheim

by Tim Parise

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4254 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	463 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE