A Dissertation Upon Roasted Pigs by Charles Lamb
A Dissertation Upon Roasted Pigs
Charles Lamb
Author Information
Charles Lamb (1775-1834) was an English essayist, poet, and antiquarian.
He is famous for his essays published in Essays of Elia.
He is related to the Romantic movement, and he is also a great friend of notable writers like Samuel Taylor Coleridge and William Wordsworth.
His writing has wit, humor, and nostalgia along with whimsy.
He was a clerk in the East India Company for decades and wrote in his free time.
His writing, especially his essays, is still widely enjoyed for their wit and understanding of people.
Gist of the Essay:
A Dissertation Upon Roast Pig is a satirical essay that traces the history of roasting pigs. Charles Lamb offers a fictional and satiric explanation of how early humans may have stumbled upon the flavor of roasted pork due to a house fire. The essay is a lighthearted satire of human nature, tradition, and custom, enriched with humor and whimsical narration.
Theme of the Essay
Accidental Discovery – The essay jokingly proposes that most human progress is made through accidents and not by intent.
Satire on Traditions – Lamb light-heartedly ridicules the stiffness of customs and tradition, asking why humans follow fixed practices without questioning.
The Delight of Food – The essay brings out the sensuality of taste and how simple things, like relishing a good meal, can be really satisfying.
Human Folly – Lamb satirically portrays human foolishness in the manner discoveries usually face resistance before they can gain full acceptance.
Summary of the Essay
Charles Lamb’s A Dissertation Upon Roast Pig is a humorous and satirical essay that presents a fictionalized account of the discovery of roasted pork. The essay, first published in Essays of Elia in 1822, is a delightful exploration of human nature, traditions, and the evolution of culinary practices. Through wit, exaggeration, and playful storytelling, Lamb delivers an amusing take on the origins of roast pig, ultimately reflecting on the absurdity of blindly following traditions and the simple joys of good food.
The essay begins with the story of a young Chinese boy named Bo-bo, the son of a swineherd, who unintentionally discovers the taste of roasted pork. According to Lamb’s fictional account, in ancient China, people did not know about cooked meat and ate their food raw. One day, a fire breaks out in Bo-bo’s house, consuming everything, including a litter of piglets. As the fire dies down, Bo-bo, curious and hungry, touches the burnt remains of the pigs and accidentally burns his fingers. Instinctively, he puts his fingers into his mouth to soothe the pain and, to his surprise, finds the taste delightful. This marks the moment of the “discovery” of roast pork.
Bo-bo, eager to taste more, continues to eat from the roasted pig. Initially, he fears that he has committed a grave mistake and hides his actions from his father. However, his father, upon discovering Bo-bo’s newfound pleasure, is drawn to the enticing aroma and also tastes the roasted meat. Overcome by the delicious flavor, the father and son conspire to burn down their house again to recreate the accidental feast. They repeat this act multiple times, enjoying the roasted pork but keeping it a secret from their neighbors.
Eventually, their repeated house burnings attract the attention of the villagers, who become suspicious of their actions. When confronted, Bo-bo and his father confess to their peculiar method of obtaining roast pork. The villagers, curious, also taste the meat and find it delightful. The news spreads, and soon, more and more people start setting their houses on fire to enjoy roast pork. This widespread enthusiasm for roast pig eventually leads to an official inquiry by the government. Bo-bo and his father are brought before a tribunal to explain their actions.
To their surprise, instead of being punished, they are praised for their discovery. The authorities recognize the value of their culinary innovation and declare that roast pork should be prepared in a more civilized manner—by cooking the pigs separately rather than burning entire houses down. This marks the beginning of the proper art of roasting pigs, as humanity moves away from destructive methods of cooking and embraces a more practical approach.
After recounting this whimsical tale, Lamb shifts his focus to a broader discussion on the pleasures of eating roast pork. He describes the sheer joy and indulgence that comes with savoring well-cooked meat, elevating the experience to near-poetic levels. He humorously comments on how people develop a passion for certain foods, emphasizing that the appreciation of roast pig transcends mere sustenance and becomes an art in itself.
Lamb also introduces a critique of human traditions and customs. He playfully suggests that people are often hesitant to embrace new ideas and that discoveries, no matter how beneficial, are met with resistance before being widely accepted. He points out that many customs originate from irrational beliefs or accidents, yet people cling to them without questioning their necessity. The essay subtly critiques how societies uphold outdated traditions simply because they have been passed down through generations, without considering more logical or efficient alternatives.
The essay continues with an exploration of the cultural significance of food. Lamb suggests that food is not merely a necessity but a source of immense pleasure and social bonding. He elaborates on the sensory delight of consuming a well-prepared meal, painting a vivid picture of the joy associated with eating. His descriptions of the texture, aroma, and taste of roast pork are particularly evocative, making the reader almost taste the dish through his words.
Lamb’s use of humor is central to the essay’s charm. He employs irony and exaggeration to highlight the absurdity of certain human behaviors. The notion that people would repeatedly burn their houses just to enjoy roasted pork is a comedic exaggeration, yet it serves to illustrate how customs and traditions can emerge from the most bizarre circumstances. His witty storytelling keeps the essay engaging while also making a deeper point about human nature and progress.
Another significant aspect of the essay is its reflection on human curiosity and the process of discovery. Bo-bo’s accidental finding of roast pork mirrors many real-life discoveries, where chance plays a major role in human advancement. Lamb humorously suggests that many of the world’s greatest innovations may have stemmed from similar accidents, challenging the idea that all progress comes from deliberate effort.
As the essay concludes, Lamb reinforces the idea that food is one of life’s greatest pleasures. He expresses admiration for those who take the time to appreciate good food and argues that eating is not just a mundane activity but an experience to be cherished. He also implies that people should question traditional practices and be open to new ways of thinking, as progress often comes from unexpected places.
In summary, A Dissertation Upon Roast Pig is a masterful blend of humor, satire, and philosophical reflection. Through the amusing tale of Bo-bo and his accidental discovery of roast pork, Charles Lamb explores themes of tradition, human curiosity, and the joy of food. His witty and engaging prose makes the essay an enduring classic, appreciated not only for its comedic value but also for its deeper insights into human behavior and societal customs. The essay remains a delightful read, demonstrating Lamb’s talent for combining storytelling with insightful commentary on the quirks of human nature.
Key Points of A Dissertation Upon Roast Pig
Fictional Origin of Roast Pig – The essay humorously narrates how roasted pork was accidentally discovered when a young boy, Bo-bo, found that pigs cooked in a house fire tasted delicious.
The Role of Accident in Discovery – Lamb satirizes the idea that many human advancements come from accidental discoveries rather than deliberate efforts.
Resistance to Change – The essay critiques how societies often resist new practices and cling to outdated traditions, even when a better alternative exists.
Humorous Satire on Customs – Lamb playfully mocks the absurdity of blindly following traditions and rituals without questioning their practicality.
Culinary Delight – The essay celebrates the sensory pleasure of food, particularly the taste, smell, and texture of roasted pork.
Exaggeration for Comic Effect – The idea that people repeatedly burned down their houses to enjoy roast pork is an intentional exaggeration that adds humor and satire to the essay.
Irony in Societal Progress – Lamb suggests that many advancements happen not through careful planning but through accidents that later become widely accepted practices.
Critique of Formal Traditions – The essay highlights how some customs and regulations can be unnecessary, showing that progress often requires breaking from traditional constraints.
Food as a Source of Joy – Lamb elevates the act of eating from mere sustenance to a profound and joyful experience.
Playful and Engaging Writing Style – The essay’s whimsical storytelling, witty commentary, and exaggerated narrative make it an entertaining read with a deeper message about human nature and progress.
Glossary of Key Terms
Dissertation – A formal discussion or treatise on a subject, often humorous in this context.
Swineherd – A person who tends pigs.
Litter – A group of piglets born at the same time.
Satire – The use of humor, irony, or exaggeration to criticize people’s follies or societal norms.
Gastronomy – The practice or art of cooking and enjoying good food.
Anthropology – The study of human societies and cultures, relevant here in the discussion of customs and traditions.
Whimsical – Playfully amusing or fanciful.
Irony – A figure of speech where the meaning intended is opposite to what is stated, often used for humorous or emphatic effect.
Customs – Traditional and widely accepted ways of behaving or doing something.
Allusion – An indirect reference to a historical, cultural, or literary figure or event.
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