Stepping into the fantastical land of Narnia (1950) there are various parts in the book where the element of food is displayed. Set in War time, treats such as jam, sweets and syrup would have started to be rationed, so for most children getting these things would have been considered a treat. The characters in the book are four siblings, the eldest peter, then Susan, Edmond and Lucy they are evacuated from the city to the countryside as War has broken out.
One day when all the siblings are playing hide and seek, Lucy, the youngest hides in a wardrobe and finds herself in a magical world called Narnia. She meets a man who's half human and half fawn, Mr Tumnus. She goes back to his house for tea. This is where the first mention of food appears.
Toast and cake sounds like a nice tea, I'm not so sure about sardines though. I personally don't really have an opinion on them, but I'm certain to a child they would not appear too appetizing! Mr Tumnus lists all the foods and things in an attempt to persuade Lucy to go to his house. It is a cruel thing to do, especially as young children can be easily persuaded to do something or go somewhere if appealing food is involved.
Look they have the eyes on them and everything! YUCK.
Later on in the book, food appears again and is used in the same way, to persuade/bribe a child to do something. Edmond enters Narnia despite all the siblings believing Lucy made it up and he falls into the trap of the White Witch. She seems pleasant enough to the ignorant, selfish Edmond and once she conjures up some Turkish Delight with her magic, Edmond practically falls into her lap.
The Queen uses the Turkish Delight as a way to trick Edmond into doing what she wants. Here food is represented as foreshadowing bad events to come. The description of the Turkish Delight highlights the beauty and deliciousness of the food. 'Each piece was sweet and light to the very centre' The way it is describe is to make the reader believe how magical and unlike anything else the Turkish Delight is, emphasising the hold the Queen has on Edmond just through giving him his favourite food.
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