Blog 2

 
In the film Babette's Feast, the main idea is that of the power of food and the protestant ethic. Martine and Phillipa, being daughters of the church founder, do not eat very adventurously, they also don't drink alcohol, as, for them, eating too much, or eating too nice of foods, is a sin. When Babette shows up, she works for free and does not complain about the way they go about food. She simply wishes to work with people that her father knew. When she wins the lottery, instead of going back to Paris, she uses the money to buy ingredients for a special dinner for all the Lutherans. This feast is full of exotic and delicious foods, expertly prepared by Babette. The Lutherans swear not to mention how good or bad the food is, as not to sin, but it is clear that they are enjoying themselves at dinner, even if they aren't saying so. The general especially, being the only one verbally communicating his love for the food, saying he recognizes it as, especially well-prepared gourmet dishes. 
 
They drank and laughed and had a really good time together that night. At the end of the night, Martine and Phillipa thank Babette and tell her that they'll always remember this night. I find it heartwarming that Babette, knowing she could've returned to Paris, realized that she didn't need to, and she would rather cook an exquisite meal for the people around her. It just goes to show the power that well-prepared food can have on others, even the Lutherans, who believe that eating too much food and drinking alcohol is sinful, still can't resist the feast that Babette prepares.