This fictional work centers around a clandestine nocturnal gathering of students, typically in a boarding school dormitory, for a shared meal of illicit snacks and treats. Often, these gatherings serve as a backdrop for developing friendships, testing boundaries, and exploring themes of camaraderie and rebellion against authority. Enid Blyton’s Fifth Form at St. Clare’s provides a classic example of this trope.
Such narratives hold a particular appeal for young readers, offering a taste of vicarious adventure and a glimpse into the dynamics of close-knit peer groups. These stories frequently explore the importance of shared experiences, the allure of the forbidden, and the development of independence during adolescence. Historically, these narratives reflect anxieties around childhood autonomy and institutional control.