The following sections of this BookRags Literature Study Guide is offprint from Gale's For Students Series: Presenting Analysis, Context, and Criticism on Commonly Studied Works: Introduction, Author Biography, Plot Summary, Characters, Themes, Style, Historical Context, Critical Overview, Criticism and Critical Essays, Media Adaptations, Topics for Further Study, Compare & Contrast, What Do I Read Next?, For Further Study, and Sources.
(c)1998-2002; (c)2002 by Gale. Gale is an imprint of The Gale Group, Inc., a division of Thomson Learning, Inc. Gale and Design and Thomson Learning are trademarks used herein under license.
The following sections, if they exist, are offprint from Beacham's Encyclopedia of Popular Fiction: "Social Concerns", "Thematic Overview", "Techniques", "Literary Precedents", "Key Questions", "Related Titles", "Adaptations", "Related Web Sites". (c)1994-2005, by Walton Beacham.
The following sections, if they exist, are offprint from Beacham's Guide to Literature for Young Adults: "About the Author", "Overview", "Setting", "Literary Qualities", "Social Sensitivity", "Topics for Discussion", "Ideas for Reports and Papers". (c)1994-2005, by Walton Beacham.
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Betel nut, the seed of the betel palm, is prepared with other substances as a mixture for chewing. It is similar to chewing gum. More than 200 million people in areas of the western Pacific and parts of Africa and Asia chew or suck on betel nut for its mild stimulant effects. Its effects in some ways resemble those of nicotine. Others use it as a part of social customs, much as people in the West use alcohol. Regular use can damage the mouth, gums, and esophagus, stain the teeth red, and can cause physical dependence.
Betel nut is mentioned in ancient Greek, Sanskrit, and Chinese texts from more than a century B.C.E. Later it became an important aspect of the economy and social life in India, Malaysia, the Philippines, and New Guinea. Betel was probably brought to Europe by Marco Polo, around 1300, and became an important item in trade.