Introduction
Charles Lamb’s “A Dissertation Upon Roast Pig” is one of the most humorous and whimsical essays in English literature. This delightful piece from his famous “Essays of Elia” collection follows the fictitious origin story of roast pork, presenting a fanciful tale about how humans first discovered the delicious taste of cooked meat. Published in the London Magazine in 1822 under the pseudonym Elia, this essay combines historical fiction, humor, and social commentary in Lamb’s distinctively charming prose style, showcasing both his vivid imagination and unique literary voice.
Charles Lamb: The Man Behind the Essays
Life and Literary Circle
Charles Lamb (1775-1834) was a prominent English essayist, poet, and critic whose work significantly shaped the personal essay form. Born in London, Lamb developed close friendships with literary giants of his time, including Samuel Taylor Coleridge, William Wordsworth, and William Hazlitt. Despite working as a clerk at the East India Company for most of his adult life, Lamb managed to establish himself as a noteworthy literary figure whose influence continues to resonate today.
Personal Hardships and Literary Identity
Lamb’s life was marked by considerable tragedy. In 1796, his sister Mary, suffering from mental illness, killed their mother and wounded their father in a fit of insanity. Charles took responsibility for Mary’s care thereafter, a commitment that influenced both his personal and literary life. These experiences lent depth and poignancy to his writing, even in seemingly lighthearted pieces like “A Dissertation Upon Roast Pig.”
Literary Style and Influences
Lamb’s writing style was heavily influenced by Elizabethan and 17th-century authors, particularly Sir Thomas Browne, Robert Burton, and the early English dramatists. His prose exhibits a unique blend of antiquated expressions, playful humor, and profound insight. What distinguishes Lamb’s writing is his ability to present complex ideas through accessible and engaging narratives, infusing everyday subjects with a sense of wonder and significance.
The Delightful Tale of Roast Pig: Plot Summary
The Chinese Manuscript
The essay begins with Lamb claiming that he has read a Chinese manuscript (translated by his friend “M.”), which reveals how humanity first discovered cooked meat:
“Mankind, says a Chinese manuscript, which my friend M. was obliging enough to read and explain to me, for the first seventy thousand ages ate their meat raw, clawing or biting it from the living animal, just as they do in Abyssinia to this day. This period is not obscurely hinted at by their great Confucius in the second chapter of his Mundane Mutations, where he designates a kind of golden age by the term Cho-fang, literally the Cooks’ holiday.”
According to this fictitious ancient text, the art of cooking meat was accidentally discovered in ancient China.
Bo-bo’s Accidental Discovery
In the tale, a mischievous boy named Bo-bo, son of the swineherd Ho-ti, accidentally sets fire to their cottage while playing with fire:
“The swineherd, Ho-ti, having gone out in the woods one morning, as his manner was, to collect masts for his hogs, left his cottage in the care of his eldest son Bo-bo, a great lubberly boy, who being fond of playing with fire, as younkers of his age commonly are, let some sparks escape into a bundle of straw, which kindling quickly, spread the conflagration over every part of their poor mansion, till it was reduced to ashes.”
Unfortunately, the cottage contains “a fine litter of new-farrowed pigs, no less than nine in number,” which perish in the blaze. While lamenting the destruction, Bo-bo makes an accidental discovery:
“He next stooped down to feel the pig, if there were any signs of life in it. He burnt his fingers, and to cool them he applied them in his booby fashion to his mouth. Some of the crumbs of the scorched skin had come away with his fingers, and for the first time in his life (in the world’s life indeed, for before him no man had known it) he tasted—crackling!”
To his surprise, he finds the taste of the burnt pig skin delicious—something humanity had never before experienced.
Spreading the Secret
When Ho-ti returns, he is initially angry at his son’s carelessness but is persuaded to taste the burnt pig himself:
“‘O father, the pig, the pig! do come and taste how nice the burnt pig eats.’
The ears of Ho-ti tingled with horror. He cursed his son, and he cursed himself that ever he should beget a son that should eat burnt pig.”
Eventually, the father succumbs to curiosity:
“Ho-ti trembled every joint while he grasped the abominable things wavering whether he should not put his son to death for an unnatural young monster, when the crackling scorching his fingers, as it had done his son’s, and applying the same remedy to them, he in his turn tasted some of its flavour, which, make what sour mouths he would for a pretence, proved not altogether displeasing to him. In conclusion (for the manuscript here is a little tedious) both father and son fairly sat down to the mess, and never left off till they had despatched all that remained of the litter.”
Both father and son are so enchanted by the flavor that they begin deliberately burning down their home regularly to enjoy roasted pork. Eventually, their neighbors notice this strange behavior and bring them before a judge for arson. However, when the judge tastes the roast pig, he too is converted, and soon the entire village adopts the practice of burning houses to cook pigs.
Evolution of Cooking Methods
The story concludes with the eventual development of more practical cooking methods as the societal craze for roast pig leads to widespread arson:
“The judge, who was a shrewd fellow, winked at the manifest iniquity of the decision; and, when the court was dismissed, went privily, and bought up all the pigs that could be had for love or money. In a few days his Lordship’s town house was observed to be on fire. The thing took wing, and now there was nothing to be seen but fires in every direction. Fuel and pigs grew enormously dear all over the district. The insurance offices one and all shut up shop. People built slighter and slighter every day, until it was feared that the very science of architecture would in no long time be lost to the world.”
Eventually, a practical innovation emerges:
“Thus this custom of firing houses continued, till in process of time, says my manuscript, a sage arose, like our Locke, who made a discovery, that the flesh of swine, or indeed of any other animal, might be cooked (burnt, as they call it) without the necessity of consuming a whole house to dress it. Then first began the rude form of a gridiron. Roasting by the string, or spit, came in a century or two later, I forget in whose dynasty. By such slow degrees, concludes the manuscript, do the most useful, and seemingly the most obvious arts, make their way among mankind.”
This humorous conclusion about the development of cooking technology allows Lamb to transition into his personal reflections on the delights of roast pork.
Literary Analysis: Themes and Techniques
Humor and Satire
Lamb employs gentle satire throughout the essay, poking fun at human nature and societal customs. The absurd premise—that cooking was discovered through accidental house fires—creates a humorous foundation for the piece. The escalation of events, from a personal discovery to a societal trend and finally to judicial approval, heightens the comedic effect while subtly commenting on how societal norms evolve.
Sensory Descriptions and Culinary Appreciation
One of the most striking aspects of the essay is Lamb’s vivid and almost sensual descriptions of roast pork. His language becomes particularly florid when extolling the virtues of crackling:
“There is no flavour comparable, I will contend, to that of the crisp, tawny, well-watched, not over-roasted, crackling, as it is well called—the very teeth are invited to their share of the pleasure at this banquet in overcoming the coy, brittle resistance—with the adhesive oleaginous—O call it not fat—but an indefiable sweetness growing up to it—the tender blossoming of fat—fat cropped in the bud—taken in the shoot—in the first innocence—the cream and quintessence of the child-pig’s yet pure food.”
These passages reveal not just Lamb’s appreciation for fine food but also his ability to elevate everyday experiences through rich, evocative language, transforming a simple culinary delight into a subject worthy of literary reverence.
Personal Preferences and Confessions
The second part of the essay shifts to Lamb’s personal reflections on his love for roast pig. He confesses that while he is willing to share most delicacies with friends, roast pig is where he draws the line:
“I am one of those, who freely and ungrudgingly impart a share of the good things of this life which fall to their lot (few as mine are in this kind) to a friend. I protest I take as great an interest in my friend’s pleasures, his relishes, and proper satisfactions, as in mine own. ‘Presents,’ I often say, ‘endear Absents.’ Hares, pheasants, partridges, snipes, barn-door chickens (those ‘tame villatic fowl’), capons, plovers, brawn, barrels of oysters, I dispense as freely as I receive them. I love to taste them, as it were, upon the tongue of my friend. But a stop must be put somewhere. One would not, like Lear, ‘give everything.’ I make my stand upon pig.”
This humorous insight into the author’s character serves as a commentary on the limits of generosity. The transition from fictional narrative to personal reflection is characteristic of Lamb’s essay style, blending storytelling with intimate self-disclosure.
Romantic Sensibilities in Unexpected Places
Despite focusing on a seemingly mundane subject—food—Lamb infuses the essay with Romantic sensibilities. His appreciation for the sensory experience, his whimsical storytelling, and his elevation of the ordinary reflect key aspects of Romantic thought. However, unlike contemporaries who applied these techniques to grand natural landscapes or emotional experiences, Lamb directs them toward the humble subject of roast pork, demonstrating how everyday pleasures can be sources of profound delight.
Lamb’s Unique Literary Voice
The Persona of Elia
Lamb wrote his essays under the pseudonym “Elia,” creating a literary persona that was both himself and not himself. This allowed him greater freedom in self-expression and created an intimate rapport with readers. In “A Dissertation Upon Roast Pig,” Elia’s voice is conversational, enthusiastic, and slightly eccentric—qualities that make readers feel as though they’re engaged in a pleasant chat with a knowledgeable friend.
Blending of Fact and Fiction
Throughout the essay, Lamb skillfully blends factual elements with pure invention. The fictional Chinese manuscript, the references to Confucius, and the detailed historical narrative all lend an air of authenticity to what is entirely a product of Lamb’s imagination. This blurring of boundaries between fact and fiction adds complexity to the piece and invites readers to consider the nature of historical “truth.”
Archaic Language and Modern Sensibility
Lamb’s prose style features archaic expressions and sentence structures borrowed from his beloved Elizabethan writers. Phrases like “the adhesive oleaginous,” “villatic fowl,” and “intenerating and dulcifying” demonstrate his fondness for elevated diction. However, beneath this antiquated exterior lies a distinctly modern sensibility—a willingness to discuss personal experiences and preferences with candor and self-awareness.
Cultural and Literary Context
The Essay Form in the Romantic Era
Lamb was writing during the Romantic period, a time when poetry dominated the literary landscape. His essays, however, breathed new life into prose forms, demonstrating that everyday subjects could be treated with the same creativity and emotional depth as more traditionally “poetic” themes. Much like how Rabindranath Tagore’s “Atithi” celebrates the simple beauty of human connection, Lamb’s essay elevates ordinary experiences to literary significance. “A Dissertation Upon Roast Pig” exemplifies how Lamb transformed the essay from a primarily instructional or argumentative medium into a vehicle for personal expression and imaginative exploration.
Culinary Literature and Gastronomic Essays
Lamb’s essay belongs to a tradition of gastronomic literature that includes works like Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin’s “The Physiology of Taste” (1825) and Jonathan Swift’s “A Modest Proposal” (1729). As explored in The Paris Review’s analysis of literary food writing, culinary essays often reveal as much about culture and human nature as they do about food itself. While Swift’s satirical essay proposed eating children as a solution to poverty (a dark contrast to Lamb’s whimsical approach), both works use food as a lens through which to examine society. Lamb’s contribution to this genre lies in his ability to celebrate culinary pleasures without cynicism or ulterior motives—he simply invites readers to share in his enjoyment.
Reception and Influence
When published, “A Dissertation Upon Roast Pig” was immediately popular with readers who appreciated its humor and stylistic flourishes. Over time, it has become one of Lamb’s most anthologized works, frequently appearing in collections of English essays and literature textbooks. Its enduring appeal lies in its accessibility—the subject of food is universal—and in Lamb’s distinctive voice, which remains engaging nearly two centuries after its publication.
Relevance to Modern Readers
Timeless Appeal of Food Writing
In our contemporary culture, where food writing, cooking shows, and culinary blogs abound, Lamb’s essay feels remarkably current. His passionate appreciation for the sensory experience of eating anticipates modern “foodie” culture, while his humorous approach to the subject demonstrates that good food writing has always been about more than just recipes or nutritional information.
The Art of the Personal Essay
For readers interested in creative nonfiction and the personal essay form, “A Dissertation Upon Roast Pig” offers a masterclass in blending humor, narrative, and self-revelation. Lamb’s techniques—his use of a fictional framework to express personal opinions, his balance of erudition and accessibility, his willingness to reveal personal quirks—continue to influence essayists today.
Celebration of Simple Pleasures
Perhaps most importantly, Lamb’s essay reminds modern readers to appreciate life’s simple pleasures. In an era of constant digital stimulation and sophisticated entertainment options, there’s something refreshing about Lamb’s wholehearted enjoyment of a well-cooked meal. His essay encourages us to slow down and savor the sensory experiences that make daily life rich and rewarding.
Reading Recommendations and Further Study
Essential Lamb Essays
Readers who enjoy “A Dissertation Upon Roast Pig” might also appreciate other essays from Lamb’s “Essays of Elia” collection:
- “Dream Children: A Reverie” – A poignant reflection on the family Lamb never had
- “The Praise of Chimney-Sweepers” – Another example of Lamb’s ability to find beauty in unlikely subjects
- “Old China” – A meditation on memory, nostalgia, and material culture
- “New Year’s Eve” – A more somber reflection on mortality and the passage of time
Modern Food Writers in Lamb’s Tradition
For those interested in contemporary food writing that shares Lamb’s wit and appreciation for culinary pleasures, writers like M.F.K. Fisher, Calvin Trillin, Ruth Reichl, and Anthony Bourdain offer engaging perspectives on the cultural and personal significance of food.
Literary Criticism on Lamb
Scholars interested in a deeper understanding of Lamb’s work might explore:
- E.V. Lucas’s biography, “The Life of Charles Lamb” – Still considered one of the definitive works on Lamb’s life
- George L. Barnett’s “Charles Lamb: The Evolution of Elia” – An examination of how Lamb developed his distinctive literary persona
- Critical essays by contemporary Romantic scholars like Gerald Monsman, who explores the relationship between Lamb’s personal experiences and his literary output
Key Takeaways
- Charles Lamb’s “A Dissertation Upon Roast Pig” blends fictional narrative, personal reflection, and culinary appreciation in a uniquely charming essay.
- The essay’s humor derives from its absurd premise about the discovery of cooking through accidental house fires.
- Lamb’s distinctive style features archaic language and Elizabethan influences combined with intimate self-disclosure.
- Despite its lighthearted subject, the essay displays Romantic sensibilities in its celebration of sensory experience and elevation of the ordinary.
- The work remains relevant to modern readers for its engaging narrative style, its celebration of simple pleasures, and its contributions to food writing.
Conclusion
“A Dissertation Upon Roast Pig” stands as a testament to Charles Lamb’s distinctive literary voice and his ability to find profound meaning in everyday subjects. Through his fanciful tale of culinary discovery, Lamb not only entertains but also invites readers to reconsider their relationship with food, pleasure, and the simple joys of life.
The essay concludes with Lamb’s final culinary advice, delivered with typical whimsy:
“His sauce should be considered. Decidedly, a few bread crumbs, done up with his liver and brains, and a dash of mild sage. But, banish, dear Mrs. Cook, I beseech you, the whole onion tribe. Barbecue your whole hogs to your palate, steep them in shalots, stuff them out with plantations of the rank and guilty garlic; you cannot poison them, or make them stronger than they are—but consider, he is a weakling—a flower.”
More than just a whimsical anecdote about the origins of cooking, the essay demonstrates how great literature can emerge from the most unexpected subjects when crafted with wit, imagination, and genuine feeling. In our modern world of fast food and hurried meals, Lamb’s enthusiastic celebration of a perfectly roasted pig reminds us to slow down and savor life’s sensory pleasures—advice as relevant today as it was in the nineteenth century.
FAQ Section
What is the main story in “A Dissertation Upon Roast Pig”?
The essay tells a fictional account of how roasting pork was discovered in ancient China when a boy accidentally burned down his family’s house with nine pigs inside, and subsequently discovered the delicious taste of cooked meat.
When was “A Dissertation Upon Roast Pig” published?
The essay was published in 1822 in the London Magazine and later included in Charles Lamb’s collection “Essays of Elia” (1823).
Was the Chinese manuscript Lamb refers to real?
No, the Chinese manuscript is entirely fictional. Lamb invented this framework to tell his humorous story about the discovery of cooking.
What literary devices does Lamb use in this essay?
Lamb employs hyperbole, fictional narrative, personification, sensory description, and a conversational tone that directly addresses the reader. He also uses archaic language and elaborate syntax influenced by Elizabethan writers.
What does this essay reveal about Charles Lamb’s personality?
The essay reveals Lamb’s sense of humor, his appreciation for sensory pleasures (particularly food), his literary creativity, and his willingness to present personal quirks and preferences to his readers in an engaging manner.
Resources and Further Reading
- The Project Gutenberg eBook of A Dissertation upon Roast Pig – Read the full text of Lamb’s essay online.
