Dissertation Upon Roast pig

           "Dissertation Upon Roast Pig"

                              by Charles Lamb.

 "Dissertation Upon Roast Pig" by Charles Lamb is a satirical and whimsical essay that revolves around the accidental discovery of the pleasures of roasted meat. The essay starts with an amusing portrayal of Bo-bo, a young Chinese boy living in a rural area. Bo-bo's father raises pigs for their livelihood, but one day, a series of mishaps lead to their cottage catching fire. In the chaos, Bo-bo accidentally burns down the house along with a litter of piglets.

As Bo-bo mourns the loss of the pigs, he notices a peculiar smell emanating from the burnt cottage. Upon closer inspection, he discovers the crispy, charred remains of one of the piglets. Led by curiosity, he tastes it and is immediately captivated by the delicious flavor. This accidental discovery leads him to share his newfound culinary delight with his family and later with the village.

The essay then takes a whimsical turn as it delves into the origins of roasting and cooking in general. Lamb playfully imagines scenarios in which humans might have stumbled upon the cooking process, presenting comical anecdotes and mythological explanations.

The heart of the essay lies in its exploration of how accidents, disasters, and mishaps can lead to unexpected and even positive outcomes. Lamb suggests that such discoveries often reshape human experiences and cultures. The accident of roasting pig introduces a transformative element into the way food is prepared and consumed, altering the culinary habits of the Chinese village.

"Upon Roast Pig" is notable for its unique style, blending humor, satire, and allegory. Lamb's prose is characterized by its wit, wordplay, and unconventional approach to storytelling. The essay is part of Lamb's larger collection, "Essays of Elia," in which he often explores unconventional and offbeat topics.

In essence, "Upon Roast Pig" is a lighthearted exploration of the unexpected and transformative power of accidents, presented through a delightful and imaginative narrative that showcases Lamb's distinctive literary voice.