Pope Francis said: "He - Jesus - does not stay at a safe distance and does not act by delegating, but puts himself in direct contact without contagion". In this quote, Pope Francis notes how Jesus allows himself to be directly and selflessly involved in earthly turmoil. Many literary figures are examples of this, for example Babette from Babette's Feast by Karen Blixen. In this story, Babette demonstrates a selfless act of healing by sacrificing all of her money, ten thousand francs, to prepare a dinner for the community. However, it provides more than just a meal; restores harmony to the community. The town of Berlevaag felt that “discord and dissent had reared its head” following the death of its dean. Members of this religious sect only remember and focus on the wrongdoings of others. Babette unites the community in many ways through her dinner. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay First, the idea of a French dinner brings panicked citizens together. Second, the dinner itself offered an opportunity for conversation and forgiveness for a city that had become “a little querulous and quarrelsome.” As the evening progresses, those in attendance realize that this is a night they will never forget. Thus, Babette's Supper healed the community by uniting them in fear, opening a dialogue, and creating a lasting memory. The sisters and Babette have very different ideas about what a French dinner is. Indeed, "the idea of French luxury and extravagance had then alarmed and dismayed the Dean's daughters". The sisters assume that the dinner will be a modest occasion, as their lifestyle suggests. Yet, Babette intends it to be a “love story.” This scares the sisters because they are incredibly resistant to change. For example, when they were younger, they had the opportunity to leave their lives and start a drastically different one. The entire country shares this resistive trait; they almost let Babette live with them because she is a foreigner. However, once I did, the benefits were immediate. "The old brothers and sisters, who had first looked askance at the foreign woman in their midst, felt a happy change in the lives of their little sisters, rejoiced and benefited from it." The sisters are shocked and confused when they realize that Babette will be bringing goods from out of town, wondering "But what goods, Babette?". While this is happening, wine barrels, a turtle, and other foreign objects enter the kitchen. Martine shares her fears about these ingredients with her brothers and sisters. The group vows not to talk about the food that will be served. Even though there is a lot of discord in the community, they manage to come together to find a common solution. Therefore, Babette's elaborate French dinner loosens the frightened citizens. The dinner sparks conversations among citizens, allowing them to be open and talk freely about their qualms. “Usually in Berlevaag people didn't talk much while eating. But somehow tongues were loosened tonight. The conversation around the table is light, cheerful and focused on anything besides the meal they are having. The guests overturn their relationships with each other; Conflicts are resolved, debts are forgiven, and love is renewed. For example, two quarreling women talk about their childhood in the city, brothers admit that they cheated on each other, then forgive each other, and old lovers forgive themselves and each other for the past. In the end, the General and Philippa get the reunion they've always wanted. Although it took some time, the mutual tension between the parishioners eased. The party allowed the parishioners.
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