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The banquet proceeded. The first course, a mince of…

“The banquet proceeded. The first course, a mince of olives, shrimp and onions baked in oyster shells with cheese and parsley was followed by a soup of tunny, cockles and winkles simmered in white wine with leeks and dill. Then, in order, came a service of broiled quail stuffed with morels, served…” quote by Jack Vance
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““The banquet proceeded. The first course, a mince of olives, shrimp and onions baked in oyster shells with cheese and parsley was followed by a soup of tunny, cockles and winkles simmered in white wine with leeks and dill. Then, in order, came a service of broiled quail stuffed with morels, served on slices of good white bread, with side dishes of green peas; artichokes cooked in wine and butter, with a salad of garden greens; then tripes and sausages with pickled cabbage; then a noble saddle of venison glazed with cherry sauce and served with barley first simmered in broth, then fried with garlic and sage; then honey-cakes, nuts and oranges; and all the while the goblets flowed full with noble Voluspa and San Sue from Watershade, along with the tart green muscat wine of Dascinet.””

Jack Vance

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

A lavish, multi‑course banquet is described in vivid detail, highlighting exotic dishes and abundant wine, reflecting opulence and cultural richness.

In simple terms: A sumptuous feast with many courses and fine wines.

Key Takeaway

Appreciate the sensory richness of detailed storytelling.

Themes

food culture luxury hospitality literature

Mood

evocative indulgent

Type

descriptive literary

When to use this quote

  • dinner parties
  • cultural festivals
  • historical reenactments

Key Concepts

sensory description culinary art world‑building

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does the feast reveal about the setting?
  • How does food shape character interactions?
A Different Perspective

The focus on excess may distract from narrative purpose.

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