Part III of Dark Princess sees a new evolution in Matthew Towns’ bildungsroman—from the introduction of Sammy and Sara and their political machine, to an eventual pardon and a marriage. In this evolution, Matthew often fluctuates being at mercy of other actors to finding some agency to craft his own future. One of the moments happens shortly after Matthew is pardoned and is thrusted into the political realm.
Tea is continually referenced in this story, but in the new context of The Chicago Politician, I believe DuBois’ description of a scene on page 139 necessitates a closer look. In this instance, Towns is having tea with Sara but internally grappling with a lack of control and reconciling a sea of even more complicated emotions. DuBois writes,
“Soon he was having tea in Sara’s flat. He began to feel more comfortable. He looked about. It was machine made, to be sure, but it was wax neat and in perfect order. The tea was good, and the cream — he liked cream— thick and sweet. Sara, too, in her immaculate ease was restful. He leaned back in his chair, and the brooding lifted a little from his eyes. He told Sara of a concert he had attended.” (DuBois 139)
The last notable tea time that mirrors this scene was with the Princess in Berlin, but the insert of cream here set these scenes apart—be it a reference to Sara being biracial or just her overall changing disposition.
Diary in tea is shared culturally, from Taiwanese milk tea, masala chai, teh tarik but has mixed origins, speculating its usage. It’s purpose ranging from masking the flavors and acidity from poor quality, cooling down hot tea more quickly to shorten tea breaks in factories, delivering important nutritional value.
Works Cited
I find it interesting how using dairy in tea is meant to mask flavor and acidity. It makes me think of how this cream represents Sara; a pretty face and a satisfying presence to appease his longing for love. However, this is just a masking. He doesn’t truly have feelings for Sara. The taste (his true feelings) is bitter, but he hides it with the sweetness of the cream.