PHI 207: Introduction to Philosophy
Discussion Questions for Babettes Feast
1. Describe the role of beauty in this film. How would the various characters account for the importance of beauty in their lives? As you frame your answer, take note of landscapes, music, lovely and delicious foods, clothing, houses, uniforms, and anything else that seems relevant to you. You might expand your reflection to include the role of beauty in the achievement of a good life: Can someone live a good life in total isolation from beauty?
2. How are beauty and righteousness related to each other in the minds of the principal characters in the film? Is goodness a product of beauty or antithetical to it? How are beauty and enjoyment related? Is enjoyment always bad? Is beauty always related to some sort of enjoyable experience or could a sad and difficult situation also be beautiful? Could personal sacrifice and suffering be beautiful? Does devotion to God preclude or make impossible the enjoyment of beautiful things in general and opulently beautiful things in particular?
3. How is the love of God related to the appreciation of beauty? Is recognition of beauty in the world a religious experience sometimes, always, never? What role does an artist play in recognizing and representing the beauty of the world? How is the artist rewarded for their gifts? Which of the following characters are artists? What is their art? How do they understand their art in relation to the meaning of human existence? How, in your mind, are beauty, goodness, truth, and devotion to God related? Explain your answer by reference to one or more of the characters in the film.
Principle Characters in Babettes Feast:
The Minister
Babette Hersant, the maid and chef
Martine, the beautiful daughter
Philippa, the daughter with the beautiful voice
Achille Papin, the opera star from Paris
Lorens Löwenhielm, the Swedish cavalry officer
The villagers, residents of the harsh landscape of Jutland and followers of the minister
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