"Chocolat"

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses the history of chocolate and its role in the globalization of food. It provides a brief synopsis of the film "Chocolat", directed by Lasse Hallstrom and based on the book by Joanne Harris. The paper argues that the film uses chocolate as a thematic representation of the human experience of modernization and then describes how it comes to this conclusion.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
Brief History of Chocolate
Brief Synopsis of the Film Chocolat
How Chocolate is the Thematic Link Between Old and New

From the Paper:

"Josephine, the battered wife undergoes a transformation as well, a defining rebirth, as the new owner of the cafe, which she renames for Armande and after her husband has fled when the Conte tells him to leave, after his admission of starting the fire on Roux's boat, and potentially murdering innocent souls in the name of the Comte. (Mcfadden 126) The value of tradition, based upon Vianne's history and beliefs are demonstrated by her utilization of 2,000 year old recipes as well as by the grandeur of her chocolaterria, decorated with Mayan symbolism and relics. The theology and symbolism of chocolate comes full circle within the film as it works its magic, through Vianne's hands and transforms the drabness of the village to a colorful and free representation of the loving and human nature of faith."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Barrette, Gene. "Spiritual Direction in the Roman Catholic Tradition." Journal of Psychology and Theology 30.4 (2002): 290.
• "Charlie's Chocolate Fact-Ory; SOME TASTY FACTS ON OUR FAVOURITE SNACK 2ozs Can Kill a Dog Was Once a Medicine 400 Beans Make 1lb It Speeds Heartbeat." The People (London, England) 17 July 2005: 24.
• Jacobs, Robert N. Chocolat, Movie, 2000.
• Clarence-Smith, William Gervase. Cocoa and Chocolate, 1765-1914. London: Routledge, 2000.
• Davies, Peter. The Extreme Right in France, 1789 to the Present: From de Maistre to le Pen. London: Routledge, 2002.

More papers on "Chocolat":

• Book Review # 118509 : "Chocolat" and Redemption"
• Film Review # 44264 : "Love in the Movies"
• Essay # 84453 : "The Food and Geography Connection"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: