Journal Entry: Kitty Warren
October 12, 1888
I Came across something interesting in the paper today – this new drink they call "Absinthe." Apparently, it's creating rumors in town that it promises a mind-bending experience. It got me thinking… In a world where everyone has their own wild ideas, it's a bit amusing. I often catch some looks for doing my own thing, but now people are all excited about a drink that's supposed to take them to another world. It's a bit laughable, right? This new drink is all about breaking the rules, while my own choices get some raised eyebrows. It makes you wonder if Absinthe is a big deal or just a passing trend. I'm not really sure where it's all going, but I'll be watching from my little corner, thinking about how one sip can cause more than just gossip around town.The whole situation makes me think about how people see things from their own perspective. Our town is beginning to embrace this different drink, but my own way of doing things is seen as a bit out there. This causes me to question what's considered normal and what's not in our day and age. The road ahead is a bit uncertain, but like always, I'll be here, taking it all in. Maybe that sip of Absinthe isn't just about a wild experience – maybe it's a reminder of how things can change, and we've got to rethink what we see as acceptable or a bit different.Reg
Editorial Commentary
Absinthe, first crafted as a remedy by Dr. Pierre Ordinaire in the late 1700s, rose to fame in the 1800s as a favorite among artists, coining the nickname "The Green Fairy" for its creative effect on them. (Arnold 12) However, people began to worry about its impact on mental well-being which led to many restrictions in the 1900s. Later, re-evaluations challenged these concerns, and today, absinthe is experiencing a comeback in popularity. Its story, evolving through a medicinal start, to cultural experimentation, then a time of exile, and lastly a modern-day revival, tells a complicated tale reflecting shifts in how society perceives things. Initially intended for healing, absinthe transformed into a muse for artists during the 1800s, capturing their imaginations and earning a reputation as a source of inspiration. (Faucher 22) As the 1900s rolled in, fears about its effects on mental health led to bans and restrictions. Yet, recent studies have debunked many of these concerns, allowing absinthe to make a return to the scene. (Arnold 30) This journey of absinthe isn't just the history of a drink; it's a reflection of society's evolving attitudes. From its humble medicinal origins to the artistic effect it inspired, the prohibition era, and now a reopened appreciation, absinthe's tale embodies a dynamic narrative shaped by changing perspectives over time. In this ever-changing story, absinthe's revival describes a rediscovery of its interesting and intriguing past.
Works Cited
Arnold, Jonathan. Absinthe: History in a Bottle. University of Georgia Press, 2014.
Faucher, Lucie. "Green Muse: Absinthe's Influence on Art and Culture." Journal of Culinary History, vol. 25, no. 2, 2018, pp. 87-104.