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The Symbolic Function of Food as Iconic Representation of Culture and Spirituality in Wolfram von Eschenbach's Parzival (ca 1205)

2007; Wiley; Volume: 62; Issue: 4 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1111/j.1600-0730.2007.00892.x

1600-0730

Albrecht Classen,

German Literature and Culture Studies

As recent cultural‐historical studies have demonstrated, a careful analysis of food preparation and consumption can reveal much about a specific culture or society. Moreover, as this paper argues, a focus on a protagonist's attitude toward and reflection of foodstuff and meals can shed important light on his/her intellectual, cultural, and spiritual development. To test this thesis, this paper investigates how Parzival in Wolfram von Eschenbach's eponymous romance operates with food, how he performs in courtly society during banquets, and how his growing education and maturation is demonstrated through his changing behavior with regard to food at large. We can draw the significant conclusion that the growth of this hero is powerfully reflected through his relationship with food.