Savoring the Feast: Comparing the Literary and Cinematic Visions of Babettes Feast

Abstract

LIT3015 Compare & Contrast Film & Literature: Babette’s Feast Analysis DUE DATE: Written analyses are due by Sunday of Week 6 at 11:59pm ET. This assignment asks you to compare and contrast a scene of Babette’s Feast as written in the novel and as presented in the film. This is an opportunity to analyze how written symbols, metaphors and images can be interpreted by the camera and to reflect on how stories are imagined differently on paper and on the screen. SUGGESTED APPROACH: STEP 1: Choose a food related scene that occurs in both text and film. This could include scenes in which characters discuss food, remember past meals, prepare food or it could be part of the climaxing meal scene. STEP 2: Examine each for similarities as well as differences. Is the same dialogue used in both? Are the food items the same? Does the film replace some dialogue with visual symbols or references that stand in for the dialogue? How do mise en scene elements such as lighting, color, setting, angle, shot etc bring the point of view of the novel to life? How are characters’ point of view represented? STEP 3: Use your observations to write a thesis that reflects what you have observed. To develop your purpose and thesis you can ask these questions: How well did the film interpret the text? Does the film emphasize certain themes, characters or images differently than the text? How does the film use elements of film to emphasize the theme of spirituality and transformation differently than the text? STEP 4: Draft an essay with clear introduction, body and conclusion. Be sure the body of the essay is organized around the points of comparison and contrast. SUGGESTED OUTLINE: This is meant as a starting point for those who might welcome...