Babette's Feast

Suggested focal points for papers on

BABETTE'S FEAST

Some suggestions here relate to ideas about sacramentalism and prevenient grace suggested by Dr. Randy Maddox in his Rothwell Lecture Series at Southern Nazarene University in February 1998.

Biographical approaches

How does Karen Blixen's life, particularly her religious and artistic background, relate to themes in the film?

Textual approaches

How does the film differ from Blixen's original short story version?
Historical approaches

How are the traditional seven acts of mercy mirrored in the film?
How is the medieval doctrine of the three estates reflected in the film?
In what ways does the film reflect and develop the tensions between the Reformed and Roman Catholic traditions, particularly in their differing understanding of the sacraments?
What is the "love feast" tradition in historic Methodist practice, and how does this concept illuminate the film?
In what ways are theological concepts of providence and even prevenient grace hinted at throughout the film?
What are the various "means of grace" reflected in the film? From what religious traditions do these spring?
Thematic approaches

How does the hymn "Jerusalem, My Heart's True Home" provide a central motif for the film?
Where does the motif of communion appear and how is it deveoped as a central motif for the film?
How does the "this worldly" vs. "other worldly" orientation of characters in the film create an underlying conflict? How is this conflict resolved?
How does the film speak to the question of Christian vocation?
Archetypal approaches

How is the figure of the artist presented in the film? What forms does artistry (and hence the artist) take?
To what extent can Babette be seen as a Christ figure?
Formalist approaches

How does the hymn "Jerusalem, My Heart's True Home" provide a central motif for the film?
Look carefully at the Colonel's speech at the banquet table--how does it reflect central tensions and conflicts in the film, and their resolution?
What is the significance of the many symbolic images throughout the film, especially the ocean, candles, the table, fish?
Sociological approaches

Which characters assume the most visible leadership roles in the film? On what is their influence based? How strong is the influence of other characters who are less visibly powerful?
What extremes of poverty and wealth are encompassed by the film? What reflections on both does the film provide?
Does this film present a decidedly feminine understanding of spirituality, or one applicable to both genders?
Psychological approaches

What are the dynamics of the family relationships between the two sisters and their father?
Explore instances of "psychic division" in the film--conflicts within a given character. What do these typically revolve around, and how are they resolved?
Compare this story to other works by Blixen that feature main characters who live a life of denial. What about Blixen's own life accounts for her fascination with these kinds of characters?
Possible comparisons with other works of literature we have read

spiritual epipany in FEAST and Flannery O'Connor's "Revelation"
forgiveness in FEAST and Shakespeare's THE TEMPEST
the power of art in FEAST and Shakespeare's THE TEMPEST
the theme of patience in FEAST and Milton's sonnet on his blindness

Batik fish background compliments of GINI'S "COOL GRAPHICS ON THE WEB".

Gwen Ladd Hackler, Ph.D., 1998
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last updated: 4 January 1999