06 Aug Compare and contrast a scene of Babette’s Feast as written in the novel and as presented in the film.
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 a review of how to set up a comparison/contrast! You are welcome to choose other approaches to thesis and set up of body of essay.
INTRO: start with a “hook” – great line from the story etc. Include relevant context – date of novel, date of film – author, director, original language etc as needed to set the context for your discussion. Include PURPOSE AND THESIS
SAMPLE THESIS: The film version of Babette’s Feast utilizes lighting, setting and props to emphasize the theme of cultural dissonance in the scenes leading up to the feast.
BODY OF ESSAY:
Point of comparison/contrast 1 analyze a scene or shot and discuss how the element of lighting brings the written words to life
Point of comparison/contrast 2
Point of comparison/contrast 3
CONCLUSION: What is the significance of your observations? What does this tell us about the similarities between text and film and also the differences? What have you learned from comparing and contrasting the text and film versions of one of the greatest food narratives? These and other questions might help you as you develop your concluding statements.
Requirements: 3-4pages
