英国人的民族性格与饮食的关系毕业论文.doc

上海外国语大学毕业论文英国人的民族性格与饮食的关系毕业论文Chapter OneNobility and Pragmatism in British National Character There are two things which differ remarkably in the English notional character: nobility and pragmatism. The juxtaposition of the two features is rather rare in other countries as well as their national characters. They are the most important two features which distinguish the English nation out of others.1.1 The Source of Nobility in British historyNobility, part of the English national character, is generally recognized. The reason for the formation of the unrivalled nobility dates back to the period one thousand years ago when England was invaded by France. The French aristocrats disdained the populace of England. They were unwilling to live like these English common people. Though their own special life style and experience, the French aristocrats displayed their nobility. For the ancient Englishmen, the graceful life style of the French aristocrats was the aspiration for the entire Anglo-Sax on nation. This is the root of the Englishmens longing for graceful life. In the following years, this peculiar aspiration of the English people has gradually turned into a national habit. The monarchy existed in England more than one thousand years. The upper class always has great influence on the average people. For example, Knife and fork placement are great importance to the traditional British table manners who understand these may be regarded as the details of many educated people here and briefly explain the need for the rest of the British in the practice. Dinner for eight shaped, half-way if the temporary dining rest for a short knife and fork points can put a plate and fork blade tip relative to A shape or eight-shaped, knife toward himself, that still continue to eat . If you are talking, you can hold knife and fork, no need to go, but need to make gestures, it should be put down knife and fork, do not be armed with knife and fork, waving in the air shaking.The English society pursues the noble life of the upper class with the greatest enthusiasm of the world. The English people regard it as some kind of fashion. Though the pursuit of aristocratic, they have already brought the quality of dignity into the standard to judge whether a man is well educated. After more than on thousand years accumulation, the quality of nobility has branded deeply on the mind of both the English aristocrats and the populace. As a result, nobility has become a very important part of the English national character nowadays.1.2 Pragmatism in British History CulturePragmatism, which is an indispensable part of the English national character, is generally recognized. It is a nation where daydream and empty talks can hardly existed. People there like to try their best to realize what they think about. In the history of the country, English people always emphasize the spirit of pragmatism. Especially in the period of industrial revolution, the quality of pragmatism has been full demonstrated. They did all kinds of creation and invention with the spirit of pragmatism. From the invention of various machines to the progress of politics, science and literature, the quality of pragmatism developed tremendously during that period. The change which took place in every aspect of the country enhances the importance of pragmatism in the mind of English people. In British food culture they consider the cuisine is a sense. They think whether the colour and the taste of the food are delicious, the nutrition is the most important. Though sometimes the taste is not very well, they still eat all the food because these foods have much nutrition. Secondly they think the food is used for eating when hungry. So they usually choose the meat or the beef. Meanwhile the food industry has developed, such as fast, canned, although taste, but saves time machine-made, and nutrition. Consequently, pragmatism becomes one of the most valued qualities of English people. Even today, England is still one of the most powerful countries in the world. Its prosperity is indispensable with the quality of pragmatism.The two distinctive aspects in national character show themselves in all aspects of the society. At the same time, nobility and pragmatism reveal themselves on British food and drink.Chapter Two Nobility in British DrinkAfternoon Tea There is a lot of British beverage producing impact on noble manner of aristocracy, especial afternoon. Afternoon tea is the very representative.2.1 Nobility in the Origination and Development of Afternoon TeaAfternoon tea began in Victoria Times. A noble woman felt very dull at afternoon. On some days afternoon, she got very hungry. So she asked her servant to give her a cup of tea and some sandwiches. Then, she sat on a comfortable chair and ate sandwiches slowly. In the process of eating she found it was really making her pleasant. That time was no longer dull. Thus she decided to drinking tea and eating food in every days afternoon. The long afternoon became more interesting because of afternoon tea. Later when her friends went to her house she entertained them tea and cakes in afternoon. All of her guests liked such kind of entertainment. Gradually, drinking afternoon tea became popular in aristocracy. After many years, ordinary people were also drinking afternoon tea too.In the long development, afternoon tea is the proud. Now it becomes popular in the world. In fact, the most popular style to drink tea is high tea but high tea is often a misnomer. Most people refer to afternoon tea as high tea because they think it sounds regal and lofty, when in all actuality, high tea, or “meat tea” is dinner. High tea, in Britain, at any rate, tends to be on the heavier side. After British took afternoon tea to America, American hotels and tea rooms, on the other hand, continue to misunderstand and offer tidbits of fancy pastries and cakes on delicate china when they offer a “high tea.”Afternoon tea (because it was usually taken in the late afternoon) is also called “low tea” because it was usually taken in a sitting room with drawing room where low tables (like a coffee table) were placed near sofas or chairs generally in a large withdrawing room.Britain is traditionally brewed in a warmed china teapot, adding one spoonful of tea per person and one for the pot. Most British like their tea strong and dark and with add a lot of milk.About one hundred years ago, Britain gradually developed into a system of making tea. At that time people thought the mil should poured into the cup first, so as not to crack the porcelain.The traditional way of making tea is:1. Boil some fresh cold water.2. Put some hot water into the teapot to make it warm.3. Purl the water away4. Put one teaspoon of tea-leaves per person, and one tea-spoon into the pot.5. Pour boiling water onto the tea. 6. Leave for a few minutes.7. ServiceIt is amazing that a plain afternoon tea has such complicated procedure. That complicated procedure has a close relationship with British tradition. Watching carefully the method to making afternoon tea, people will find every step are courteous and not fall into a flutter. It seems that the traditional afternoon tea cares about how to show a series of noble manner but not care how complicated the procedure is. Such custom comes from Britains tradition of nobility. British are particular about their life and pay attention to education and bearing. They think drinking tea could show their bearing. Britain is a country which attaches importance to tradition of noble. They used to show their noble in the life. So, the afternoon tea can be considered as the time to show their bearing. Those are three different afternoon teas: Cream tea, Light tea, Full tea. Everyone has its different taste. Some have heavy taste and some are light; some have cream and some have sweet. Everyone could choose the best according to his taste. Such difference proves British are particular about their life quality. A noble woman who lived in Victoria Times was the first one who enjoyed afternoon tea. Them the afternoon tea became a trend. At last it developed into a custom of the whole nation. Although afternoon tea has not been confined to the noble, but its noble origination decided its noble blood. In face, in ordinary Britishs eyes that drinking tea is a noble movement. People transmit the noble element carefully which lives in the afternoon tea. A districts food and drinking culture infect the local people in some degree. In the passed hundred years, both noble and common people both were influenced by noble manner of afternoon tea, but also they are just taking shape a national nature- looking for the noble character. In England, the traditional time for tea was four or five oclock and no one stayed after seven oclock. Most tea rooms today serve tea from three to five oclock. The menu has also changed from tea, bread, butter and cakes, to included three particular courses severed specifically in this order.Savories Tiny sandwiches or appetizersScones Served with jam and Devonshire or clotted creamPastries Cakes, cookies, shortbread and sweetBritish people are so loving their tea, even the afternoon tea becomes a national movement at about 5clock in afternoon. Today British families do not have time for afternoon tea at home, but in the past it was a tradition. It became popular about one hundred and fifty years ago, when rich ladies invited their friends to their houses for an afternoon cup of tea. They started offering their visitors sandwiches and cakes too. Soon everyone was enjoying Afternoon tea.Therefore, the authentic afternoon tea has a series of etiquette. When they are drinking afternoon tea, they show their polite thoroughly. No matter the noble or ordinary people, who want to drink afternoon tea he or she must know the etiquette of afternoon tea. 2.2 Nobility in the Etiquette of Afternoon TeaThe etiquette of drinking afternoon is as follows. Pick up your cup and saucer together holding the saucer in one hand and cup in the other. The best way to hold a tea cup is to slip the index finger through the handle, up to almost the fist knuckle, then balance and secure the cup by placing the thumb on the top of the handle and allowing the bottom of the handle to rest on the middle finger. Hold the cup lightly, by the handle the pinky doesnt have to be extended (contrary to popular belief, the ring and pinkie fingers should not be extended, but should rest by curving gently back toward your wrist). Hold the saucer under the cup while people sip tea. When stirring the tea, please do not make noises by clink the sides of the cup while stirring. Gently swish the tea back and forth being careful no to touch the sides of the cup if possible. Never leave the spoon in the cup and be sure not to sip the tea from the spoon either. After stirring, place the spoon quietly on the saucer, behind the cup, on the right hand side under the handle. Milk is served with tea, not cream. Cream is too heavy and masks the taste of the tea. Although some pour their milk in the cup first, it is probably better to pour the milk in the tea after it is in the cup in order to get the correct amount.When serving lemon with tea, use lemon slices, not wedges. Either provide a small fork or lemon fork for the guests, or have the tea server can neatly place a slice in the tea cup after the tea has been poured. Be sure never to add lemon with milk since the lemons citric acid will cause the proteins in the milk to curdle.Because of afternoon tea firstly prevail in aristocracy, so it must succeed to the etiquette of the noble people. Now in some degree people can say the etiquette of afternoon tea is complex. During the time people drink tea, people have to abide by the processes and be attention to what people should do or what people should not do. Though the etiquette is tiresome, the humble people always like to pursue it. Because they think it is a noble style. In Britain history, the humble people are always tending to imitate nobles life style. In 19th century, with the rising of the bourgeoisie the Britains economy, society and culture were changed. The new richer wanted to mould their new statues of society desperately. Because they desired change their past image. So, trends imitating of culture, imitating nobles life style were popular in British society. Everyone can see todays Britain: upper-class is still deeply influencing todays country. And now, more and more lower-0class people inherit upper-class noble character. The whole nation has this kind of idea I want to be a noble. Chapter Three Pragmatism in British Food and Britishs Food ConceptionThere are many kinds of food in Britain. The most famous food includes dessert and pub food. Those foods materials and cooking method could embody Britishs Pragmatic.3.1 Pragmatism in Food Materials and Cooking MethodsBritish food is pay important attention to nutrient. So, British adopt a variety of raw materials. In the British food, those foods who adopt a single material are very few. Generally speaking, almost all food uses many different materials. Those materials include vegetable, fruits, rice, flour, meet, milk, egg and so on, which almost cover all of the raw materials of food. Now, there list some foods ingredient and cooking method. From them that people could find British food adopt a variety of food materials.Hasty pudding is a simple and quick (thus the name) steamed pudding of milk, flour, butter, eggs, and cinnamon.Bakewell pudding is also called BaCustard a thick, rich, sweet mixture made by gently cooking together egg yolks, sugar, milk or cream, and sometimes other flavorings. Most people today use a yellow powder mixed with milk, water and sugar. Semolina Pudding is a smooth, creamy pudding made of milk, eggs, flavoring and sugaring. Semolina is cooked slowly in milk, sweetened with sugar and flavored with vanilla and sometimes enriched with egg. Semolina pudding can be served with raisins, currants or sultanas stirred in or with a dollop of jam.Yorkshire Putting is not usually eaten as a dessert like other puddings but instead as part of the main course or at a starter. Yorkshire pudding, made from flour, eggs and milk, is a sort of batter baked in the oven and usually moistened with gravy.The traditional way to eat a Yorkshire pudding is to have a large, flat one filled with gravy and vegetables as a starter of the meal. Then when the meal is over, any unused puddings should be served with jam or ice-cream as a dessert.Pie and Mash with parsley liquor is a very traditional East End London meal. The original pies were made with eels because at the time eels were a cheaper product than beef. About fifty years ago, mince beef pies replaced the eels and have now become the traditional pie and mash that people know. The traditional pie and mash doesnt come without its famous sauce known as liquor which is a curious shade of green and definitely non-alcoholic. The liquor tastes much nicer than it looks (its bright green). Bubble & Squeak (typically made from cold vegetables that have been left over from a previous meal, often the Sunday roast) the chief ingredients are potato and cabbage, but carrots, peas, sprouts, and other vegetables can be added. The cold chopped vegetables (and cold chopped meat if used) are fried in a pan together with mashed potato until the mixture is well-cooked and brown on the sides. The name is a description of the action and sound made during the cooking process.Above are the food materials and cooking method of some kind of pudding and pub food. Thos foods ingredients make up of a very nutrient food. British people pay important attention to the nutrient but not care about the taste. In British eyes, taste is not the most important. They just want to absorb nutrient from those food and make sure their body become strong. British is very pragmatic, they will never give up nutrient. So, most British people have high and strong figure. The reasonable food gives great help to them.People often find spices are widely used in British food. The history of spice are used in British food is very long. When the Frankish Normans invaded, they brought with them the spices of the east: cinnamon, saffron, mace, nutmeg, pepper, and ginger. In ancient Britain, due to the restriction of sanitary equipment British used to put spice into food to kill bacterium. British do not like other countries people who putting a large quality of spice into food. Spice was often subtle and used sparingly in British food. In many countries, spice has a special function of adding color. British have the same tradition too. For instance, saffron allowed the cook to color dull looking food to a brilliant yellow, making it more exciting to the eye. However, in Britishs eyes the function of adding color is not the most important. The really most importance of spice is still the function of killing bacterium. Except nutrient, the British demand the food which they eat must be clear and healthy for body. The aim of using spice shows Britishs pragmatic character again.The cooking methods of British food are very simple. They are including fry, steam. Boil and roast. Most food just adopts one of the cooking methods. Besides roast, other cooking methods cooking time is very short. Thus, the nutrients of the food are greatly kept during the cooking time. British are very interested in salad. They put all kinds of fresh vegetable together, put in salad dressing and eat it. Vegetables vitamins are kept in salad because there is no heating to destroy vitamins. British love saladrich in nutrient. Pragmatic British pursue nutrient than anything else.Thinking carefully thos