Saturday, June 13, 2009

Ten of the best pieces of fruit in literature

At the Guardian, John Mullan named ten of the best pieces of fruit in literature.

One title on the list:
Paradise Lost by John Milton

The naughty apple is a special temptation because, before the Fall, Adam and Eve appear to be fruitarians. Milton's poem contains some juicy-mouthed descriptions of the luscious fruit in Eden, especially the "Nectarine Fruits which the compliant boughs / Yielded them". "The savourie pulp they chew, and in the rinde, / Still as they thirsted, scoop the brimming stream". Yum.
Read about the other nine pieces of fruit on Mullan's list.

Paradise Lost also appears on Diane Purkiss' critic's chart of books on the English Civil War.

Also see Adam Leith Gollner's top 10 fruit scenes in literature.

--Marshal Zeringue