The Boar's Head Tavern, Eastcheap
The narrative explores the historical and cultural significance of a famous tavern in Eastcheap, known for its association with Shakespeare's characters, particularly Falstaff. The author reflects on the tradition of honoring literary figures, likening it to the veneration of saints in Catholicism, and expresses a desire to visit the tavern to uncover its remnants and history. Upon arriving in Eastcheap, the author notes the transformation of the area from a lively hub of revelry to a more mundane commercial district. The search for the Boar's Head Tavern leads to a local chronicler, who provides insights into its past, including its eventual decline and conversion into shops after a fire. The tavern's legacy is tied to the character of Dame Quickly and her patrons, particularly Falstaff, whose jovial spirit is fondly remembered. The author encounters a sexton who shares anecdotes about the tavern's history and its connection to notable figures, including a ghostly tale involving a former drawer at the tavern. Despite the rich history, the author struggles to find tangible evidence of the tavern's past, such as paintings or artifacts. Eventually, the author discovers a tobacco box and a goblet linked to the tavern, which serve as relics of its storied past. These items evoke the spirit of the revelry that once characterized the Boar's Head, and the author reflects on the enduring legacy of Falstaff and his companions. The narrative concludes with a sense of nostalgia for the past and an acknowledgment of the tavern's place in literary history, leaving room for future exploration and interpretation by others.
By Washington Irving · First published 1835 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Literary Criticism, Travel Writing · 4,326 words
First lines
It is a pious custom in some Catholic countries to honor the memory of saints by votive lights burnt before their pictures. The popularity of a saint, therefore, may be known by the number of these offerings. One, perhaps, is left to moulder in the darkness of his little chapel; another may have a solitary lamp to throw its blinking rays athwart his effigy; while the whole blaze of adoration is lavished at the shrine of some beatified father of renown. The wealthy devotee brings his huge luminary of wax, the eager zealot, his seven-branched candlestick; and even the mendicant pilgrim is by no means satisfied that sufficient light is thrown upon the deceased unless he hangs up his little lamp of smoking oil. The consequence is, that in the eagerness to enlighten, they are often apt to obscure; and I have occasionally seen an unlucky saint almost smoked out of countenance by the officiousness of his followers.
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The Boar's Head Tavern, Eastcheap is listed on Textopian as a short story by Washington Irving, dated 1835 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Washington Irving
- Date: 1835 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Historical Fiction, Literary Criticism, Travel Writing, Comedy, Memoir
- Length: 4,326 words
- Structure: 1 section, 31 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)
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- Work identity for The Boar's Head Tavern, Eastcheap by Washington Irving
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Genres
- Historical Fiction — The narrative explores historical settings and figures, particularly focusing on the Boar's Head Tavern and its connection to Shakespeare's works.
- Literary Criticism — The text serves as a commentary on Shakespeare's characters and themes, particularly through the lens of Falstaff and the tavern's significance.
- Travel Writing — The author recounts a personal journey to Eastcheap, detailing the exploration of historical sites and local lore.
- Comedy — The work contains humorous elements and a light-hearted tone, particularly in its depiction of characters and their interactions.
Tags
Historical Fiction · English Literature · 17th Century Setting · London Setting · Tavern Life · Social Commentary · Satire · Comedy of Manners · Class Satire · Social Hierarchy · Upper Class Portrayal · Lower Class Portrayal