An acacian dinner: in the measure for the gastronomic critic of the Lisbon bourgeoisie

Abstract

Although Eça de Queirós (1845-1900) has not stood out as a great cook, his literature has left traces in Portuguese cuisine. In fact, culinary is such a relevant element in his books that his work has inspired a recipe book and called attention of illustrious readers. This paper highlights the relevance of gastronomy in the structuring of O Primo Basílio. By gastronomically por­traying his characters, Eça exercises his criticism and stresses the singular conditions, perspectives and limitations of nineteen-century Portuguese society. The meals portrayed in the aforementioned novel provides con­crete expression to the imbalance between the ideal of grandeur and the pettiness of everyday life, the stereotyping look towards the other(s) and the reification of human relations.