The Feast of Go Nien by Thomas Burke
The narrative unfolds during the Pepper Month, leading up to a significant cultural celebration. The protagonist anticipates the festivities of Go Nien, a time for settling debts and enjoying communal bonds. The excitement builds as the character plans to participate in a grand procession, symbolizing unity and tradition. The protagonist's thoughts are filled with the pleasures of the feast, highlighting a rich array of traditional dishes that reflect the culinary heritage of the community. The menu includes delicacies such as chicken cream, soy pigeon, pork and prawn noodles, and various other dishes, emphasizing the importance of food in social gatherings. The evening promises not only a feast but also camaraderie, music, and the inclusion of friends from different backgrounds, showcasing a blend of cultures. The day is portrayed as a rare opportunity for individuals to embody the desires and needs of one another, fostering a spirit of generosity and understanding. However, the protagonist reflects on the transient nature of this goodwill, suggesting that such behavior, if habitual, could disrupt the normal flow of business and daily life. This tension between communal celebration and the practicalities of everyday existence underscores the complexity of human relationships within the cultural context. As the narrative progresses, the protagonist's anticipation of the feast serves as a microcosm of broader themes such as community, tradition, and the balance between personal desires and societal expectations. The celebration becomes a moment of escape from the routine, allowing for a temporary suspension of the usual transactional nature of relationships. The work ultimately captures the essence of cultural identity and the significance of shared experiences in fostering connections among individuals.
By Thomas Burke · First published 1917 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Cultural Fiction, Food Writing · 251 words
First lines
We are now in the Pepper Month; And soon will come the Feast of Go Nien. Then I will pay my debts, and gather in my dues. I will walk in the great procession; And afterwards I will hang up my devil-chasers And will proceed to the restaurant of Ng Tack, And drink spring wine with him and meet my friends.
That evening I shall eat of the best: Of chicken cream and pigeon in soy-ed, With a brown noodle of pork and prawn, And a curry of fish and a large Chung Goun, Sweet onions, and black eggs and chow chow. And when we have done, We will have cakes and tea, and music and songs, And call in our white friends to sit with us.
What this Textopian page supports
The Feast of Go Nien is listed on Textopian as a short story by Thomas Burke, dated 1917 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Thomas Burke
- Date: 1917 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Cultural Fiction, Food Writing, Historical Fiction, Poetry
- Length: 251 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Feast of Go Nien by Thomas Burke
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Feast of Go Nien?
- How does this short story by Thomas Burke fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Literary Fiction first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Literary Fiction — The work explores themes of cultural celebration, community, and personal reflection, characteristic of literary fiction.
- Cultural Fiction — The narrative centers around a specific cultural event, the Feast of Go Nien, highlighting cultural practices and social interactions.
- Food Writing — The detailed descriptions of food and dining experiences are central to the narrative, making it relevant to food writing.
- Historical Fiction — The setting and cultural references suggest a historical context, though it is not the primary focus.
Tags
celebration · tradition · culture · family · festivity · food · community · Chinese New Year · symbolism · rituals · heritage · customs