The power of the scenery
Norway is known for its beautiful views and nature, so in the story it is often used as a background for the events described. For Achille Papin “the snowy summits, the wild flowers and the white Nordic nights” were kind of providers, which helped him to recognize the talent of Philippa. Her singing magnetized him like beautiful nature around.
Babette’s life story
Babette’s past is a picture of contrasts as “she had arrived haggard and wild‐eyed like a hunted animal, but in her new, friendly surroundings she soon acquired all the appearance of a respectable and trusted servant”. Later she appeared “to be a beggar; she turned out to be a conqueror”. On her example the ambiguity of life is shown, nobody knows what might happen to him tomorrow.
The world outside
The image of the yellow house where the sisters lived with their father is opposed to the world outside as to the great world. “Outside its windows lay the great world. Seen from in here the great world in its winter‐ whiteness was ever prettily bordered in pink, blue and red by the row of hyacinths on the window‐sills. And in summer, when the windows were open, the great world had a softly moving frame of white muslin curtains to it.” But inside the yellow house the life was still, little changes happened there.
