Historical Context
Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night is a classic play known for its comedy, romance, and gender-bending plot. However, the play is also an interesting reflection of the cultural influences present during Shakespeare’s time. One aspect of this influence relates to food and the impact of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine on the English diet.
During the 16th and 17th centuries, England had a limited variety of food species and relied on imports from the Middle East and around the Mediterranean to supplement their diet. These imports include almonds, apricots, rice, and figs. This is why these foods were often incorporated into wealthy households, and Shakespeare uses this cultural context in his play.
Twelfth Night and Food
Twelfth Night features a banquet scene where the character Feste describes the foods that will be served; among them are distinctly Middle Eastern and Mediterranean dishes. For example, he serves a stew called Mouldywarpe, a mole dish that dates back to the Middle Ages. In Feste’s descriptions, Shakespeare also includes various spices originating from these regions, such as cinnamon and nutmeg.
This cultural connection is not limited to the food served in Twelfth Night but is also evident in the characters’ names. One of the play’s main characters, Olivia, is named after the olive tree native to the Mediterranean region. Furthermore, her servant, Maria, has a name that also originated from the Mediterranean region.
The gods also play a role in the cultural influences of Twelfth Night. The god Bacchus, the Roman god of wine and celebrations, is mentioned in the play. The importance of wine in Mediterranean cuisine is well documented, and it is clear that Shakespeare wanted to emphasize this cultural connection.
Interestingly, the play may have been performed during Christmas, which would have been a time when food and drink were fundamental. This connection makes the cultural influences on the play even more significant.
Closing Paragraph
In conclusion, Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night is not only a play about love but also a reflection of the cultural influences present during Shakespeare’s time. The play’s Middle Eastern and Mediterranean foods reflect the enormous European desire for unique and varied cuisine. Additionally, the characters’ names and the references to Bacchus underscore the importance of these cultural influences. As we examine this play, we can glimpse the complex cultural exchange that occurred during Shakespeare’s time and how it continues to inform our understanding of English literature.
