Back to: Tamil Nadu Class 12 English Guide & Notes
Table of Contents
Points to Remember:
- The original name of the author, George Orwell was Eric Arthur Blair.
- His essay “A Nice Cup of Tea” was published on 12th January 1946.
- This essay Is completely based on the author’s personal perspective.
Introduction to Essay
The Essay “A Nice Cup of Tea” by George Orwell strives to address that how the advancement of Civilization has resulted in the decrement of the luxurious consumption, Tea.
The absence of “Tea” in the cookery book has made the Author astonished, and he ends up writing this master piece, in which he has openly expressed himself, his love and taste for different varieties of Teas (Indian tea, China Tea and Army Tea) and how they should be prepared.
However, when he uses the phrase “A nice Cup of Tea”, he is mainly referring to Indian Tea.
It was written at a time when tea was rationed and in short supply, against the backdrop of severe food shortages across Europe. His experiences in growing up in India and Burma had developed his affection for Tea, which has been taken as an issue of National importance.
His Eleven Golden Rules
His eleven golden rules about the preparation of Tea might be boring for the readers who don’t like Tea, however it will be worth reading for the readers who are crazy about Tea.
His rule number 1 highlights his affection for the Indian Tea as he clearly mentions that one should use only Indian or Ceylonese tea and avoid China Tea. As mentioned earlier about the fact that he has grown up in India and Burma, he somewhere has criticised Chinese Tea by stating that “One does not feel wiser, braver or optimistic after drinking it”.
His rule number 2 highlights the quantity of Tea one is preparing. He says that Tea is something to be made in a teapot because Tea in excess quantity often ends up ruining it’s taste just like Army Tea, which tastes of grease and whitewash. Another conclusion we can draw from his second rule is about his unpleasing experience in the army.
His rule number 3 states that the Teapot should be warmed beforehand because of the fact that Tealeaves needs hot water to filter and if the pot is cold, then the temperature of the water added drops and doesn’t allow the tea to percolate long enough in just boiling water.
His rule number 4 focuses on the fact that Tea should taste strong. According to him, all tea lovers like a strong cup of tea, because one strong cup of Tea is better than twenty weak Teas. However, this cannot be be true to all as preferences of taste varies from person to person.
His rule number 5 restricts the idea of pouring Tea into strainers, or muslin bags by placing a reason that it might be harmful.
His rule number 6 somewhere advises us not to pour Tea from teapot directly anywhere else but to directly take it to the kettle.
His rule number 7 emphasizes on his own philosophy to shake the entire pot or at least stir the tea after preparing it.
His rule number 8 states his own style of having the tea that is to drink it out of a good breakfast cup rather than a flat, cylindrical or shallow utensil.
His rule number 9 states the Tea people to pour the cream off the milk before using it because milk is too creamy and it might give a sickly taste.
His rule number 10 has been one of the most controversial points of all! That is to pour Tea into the cup first, then the milk, so that by putting the tea first, one can exactly regulate the amount of milk.
His rule number 11 seems to be the most unacceptable idea amongst the all because it highlights the idea of drinking Tea without sugar. Although this idea is beneficial for Health, but it might go against most of the people’s choice as all around the world people would find no taste if there is no sugar in it.
