"Ett gästabud för hela världen" Mat och dryck i barnlitteraturen

Abstract

In this survey of the role of f o od in children's literature different attitudes towards food and eating are focused upon, for instance how food can play an important part in the common revolt against parental authority and discipline. T h e major point of departure is the grotesque which is compared to themes of populär carnivals and feasts as well as the theme of "mundus inversus" found in depictions o f nonsense worlds. 1'edagogical and phychological aspects are also discussed in connection with the strong symbolic value of food when illustrating conflicts between patents and children. Especially the conflict between mother and daughter, a frequent theme in children's literature, often centres around situations involving food, something child psychologists connect to the oral phase of a child's development. The fact that food and eating also on a symbolical level create feelings of comfort and security, of togetherness and joie de vivre, is also taken into account. The many huge parties and family reunions in children's literature can be seen as rituals promoting a sense of belonging, o f intimacy between child and adult.