"Tea to the English is really a picnic indoors"

British culture is deeply intertwined with the tradition of tea drinking. Alice Walker's quote, "Tea to the English is really a picnic indoors", beautifully encapsulates this sentiment by comparing the quintessential British act of having tea to the universal expression of joy and leisure - a picnic.

To understand the depth of this statement, one must dissect the two key symbols that Walker utilizes: tea and a picnic. Tea, in many societies including England, is not simply a beverage but a ritual, an avenue of socialization, and a comforting habit. It is a symbol of hospitality, solace, and warmth that embraces everyone, regardless of class, age, or occupation. Tea has its roots deeply embedded in the routine of the English, marking both mundane moments and special occasions.

Comparatively, a picnic represents an outdoor event where people gather to enjoy food in a relaxed and informal environment. Often these occasions are lighthearted and recreational, meant to break away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It brings forth images of open spaces, sunny weather, playful activities, and a bountiful spread of foods, encouraging a sense of fellowship and camaraderie among attendees.

Drawing a parallel between such two different activities, Walker wants to highlight the sheer significance of the tea-drinking ritual in British life. By referring to it as a 'picnic indoors', she suggests that for the English, having tea is an event as delightful, relaxing, and communal as a picnic. It indicates the sheer adaptability of this routine, suitable for both, the privacy of indoor contemplative solitude or the clamor of an outdoor social gathering.

Moreover, the mention of 'indoors' might hint towards the English weather, which is often associated with being cold or rainy. By bringing the picnic inside, Walker may be acknowledging how tea, like a ray of sunshine, provides a spark of warmth and happiness, even in the dreariest English weather.

Overall, Walker’s succinct statement is a clever assessment of the intrinsic values and cultural weight attached to tea in the English lifestyle. It cleverly highlights the British panache for finding joy and camaraderie over a simple cup of tea - as much as one would at a lively and wholesome picnic.