Satiric Models for Charles Lamb’s ‘A Dissertation on Roast Pig'

Abstract

Examines the literary precedents for Lamb’s essay, identifying both classical and neoclassical sources on which the Romantic essayist drew for both stylistic inspiration and content. Believes Lamb would have expected his readers to recognize the satiric nature of the essay. Sees Lamb using the discussion on cooking and eating as a metaphor for political commentary.