Ingracious town folk?

My own point of view is as follows.

When Babette prepared the feast she was an artist in performance. She was not slaving nor was she doing this from the goodness of her heart -- she was allowing herself one more opportunity to give of her best and to experience for a last time the artistic fulfillment she had known working in Paris. The evening was a grand triumph for her, leaving her happy and satisfied (if a bit tired).

While it may be true that the patrons of the Café Anglais and similar restaurants in Paris might on occasion have asked to meet the chef to extend their compliments personally, in this community the people had a different attitude toward food and drink. It was not an art to them, it sustained their life. Especially on this particular occasion, when one of the sisters had warned them that the dinner might have sinful qualities and so they all promised to disregard the sensual elements of the meal. Even the general, who was not of their background and understood the level at which he was being served, may not have asked to meet the cook because this was a private home, of people who lived ascetically, and perhaps such things were not done.

As you mentioned, Babette's dinner did work some 'magic' and have a transforming effect on all those who partook -- I suppose the wines helped with that, too. Babette did receive kind compliments from her employers after the guests left, expressing everyone's enjoyment. And they learned from her, perhaps, that sensual pleasure need not be sinful, but can be a beautiful gift of the spirit.

the cult people planned it that way, obviously. it could be that we just didn't see the General saying thanks, or it could be that Babette was "the help" and as such wasn't eligible to be shown kindness from the elite


I'm proud to say my poetry is only understood by that minority which is aware.

The congregation got together and agreed to keep silent and not say a word about the food. Being the good Christian folk they were, they kept their promise.

I don't think Babette cared. This was a gift she gave, freely and voluntarily. She got what she wanted from the act of cooking the meal and didn't need spoken words of thanks. You can tell if people like your food from their faces, or that silence when they are concentrating on eating rather than conversation.

I agree with all that has been said here, and since I don't know the customs of the time and place I guess there might have been a reason that the general did not send his complements to the chef. But he must have been privately amazed at this food being served from this plain and humble Danish cottage.

"Give me leave to do my utmost."

As an artist, she wanted one more chance to use her gifts without restraint. I think that the opportunity to create that meal was reward enough for her. She certainly knows and understands the people she created it for. I don't think that a formal expression of thanks was expected, needed, or even desired.

Please don't call someone a _____tard.