University of Iowa Honors Theses
Major Department
International Studies
College
College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
Degree
BA (Bachelor of Arts)
Session and Year of Graduation
Spring 2018
Honors Major Advisor
Emily Wentzell
Thesis Mentor
Cynthia Chou
Abstract
Food and foodways are inherent aspects of everyday life but their significance is often overlooked. The importance of food is that it embodies a multitude of deeper meanings that are intrinsic to the society that is consuming it. As a key factor in the culture of France, food provides the lens to understanding larger social aspects such as power and hierarchy. This lens will be used to analyze the reign of King Louis XIV of France, who established himself as an absolute monarch.
Many works have appeared on food in France and many on the reign of King Louis XIV. Nevertheless, there is a gap in research to examine how a study of food might provide insight into the power of Louis XIV and hierarchy during a monarchy. By examining the symbolism of food, the cooks who prepared the food, and the etiquette surrounding French banquets, I argue that King Louis XIV used banquets as a way to manipulate others and establish power.
Keywords
Louis XIV, France, food, foodways, power, commensality
Total Pages
43
Copyright
Copyright © 2018 Sophie Churchill
Included in
European Languages and Societies Commons, Other French and Francophone Language and Literature Commons, Social and Cultural Anthropology Commons
URL
https://ir.uiowa.edu/honors_theses/170