Anna and the king: digesting difference

Author: Van Esterik, Penny

Source: South East Asia Research, Volume 14, Number 2, July 2006 , pp. 289-307(19)

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Abstract:

This paper explores the relationship between food and national identity in ancient Siam and modern Thailand, as represented in the texts and films linked to Anna Leonowens, particularly Anna and the King and The King and I. While the fictional romantic relationship between the Indo-British governess and King Mongkut (Rama IV) has been critically analysed, little attention has been paid to the state banquet organized by the king. In 1860s Siam, state banquets provided an opportunity to demonstrate the civilized status of the Siamese monarch, and hence the kingdom. Developing and building on the concepts of political commensality and culinary colonialism, the paper explores the importance of demonstrating civility through food.

Keywords: STATE BANQUETS; COLONIALISM; NUTRITIONAL ANTHROPOLOGY; WESTERN FILM PERFORMANCE; SIAM

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5367/000000006778008130

Publication date: 2006-07-01

More about this publication?

South East Asia Research publishes articles based on original research or fieldwork on all aspects of South East Asia within the disciplines of archaeology, art history, economics, geography, history, language and literature, law, music, political science, social anthropology and religious studies. This peer-reviewed journal is published four times per year by IP Publishing in cooperation with the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS). SOAS is the leading centre in this field in Europe and one of the most prestigious centres of South East Asian Studies in the world.
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