Food in Shakespeare: a Study of Culinary References in the Bard’s Plays

Abstract

This thesis examines the role of food in Shakespeare's plays, arguing that diet discourse was crucial during his times, as ingredients were imbued with complex cultural values and elevated as symbols of social relationships as well as power dynamics. The first chapter provides an overview on the topics of health, agriculture, and politics of the Early Modern period. The analysis then focuses on the various forms of food excess portrayed in the Bard's works: from the abundance of food represented in his banquets, to an excess of nourishment leading to obesity, and finally to an excess of perverted hunger, resulting in cannibalism. By drawing attention to these themes, this study highlights the importance of food in shaping the characters' identities, social positions, and relationships. Ultimately, this thesis contributes to a deeper understanding of the way Shakespeare uses food as a literary device to comment on the social and cultural norms of his time.