... be different from that of Hollywood movies but watching this film has definitely made me more open to the art of European films and made me look forward to watching and hopefully appreciating more of these in our class. One of the first symbolisms found in the film is that of the dried fish, which serves as a stark contrast to the opulent feast Babette prepares in the end. Aside from being the staple food of the characters in the film, the dried fish can probably represent the life that they had before Babette's arrival in their village. It signifies the characters' extremely simple and puritan way of life to the point of becoming stiff and lifeless just like the fish. Their lives are devoid of excitement and passion and the original dream of their religious group is growing as old and tired as the members themselves. Another symbolism to be found ...

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