In this excerpt from "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn," Mary Jane sits at the head of the table, accompanied by Susan. She begins to criticize the food, claiming the biscuits are bad, the preserves are mean, and the fried chicken is tough. This is a common social tactic where women seek compliments by downplaying their cooking skills, even when the guests know the food is excellent.

The guests respond with praise, inquiring about how the biscuits achieved such a perfect color and questioning the source of the delicious pickles. This interaction highlights the typical polite conversation during meals, showcasing the social conventions that often involve a mix of genuine appreciation and playful flattery.