INTRODUCTION

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Interpretation: Dinner For A Few

Overview

“Dinner For A Few” is an animated and multiple award-winning short film released on YouTube by Nassos Vakalis. The film illustrates the cycle of how societies behave are born, live and eventually even perish. Those of you who have already seen the film will probably agree with me when I say that some very striking elements in the film need to be discussed and interpreted further.

Setting and Visuals

Already in the first 10 seconds, it is clear that this is a dystopian scenario. The colours are dark, the lights are low. There is a lonely hotel on a hill, damaged in the upper left corner and surrounded by a deep, stormy sea. Behind the hotel is smoke, the last bit of nature that seemed to have stood the test of time is slowly but surely dying.

Characters and Relationships

The main characters in the film are the six pigs with human characteristics sitting around a dining table. The pigs wear apparent clothes. The pigs that stand out are the ones that appear to be a priest and a judge. The six pigs eat nonstop. They eat whatever is served to them. The food is provided and served by a very humble man. He seems well-fed, yet he still seems to be part of the lower middle class. He is operating a machine that turns pieces of wall and objects in the room into food. Around the table are hungry black and white cats who then turn into a wild, hungry tiger. What the cats don’t see is that the six pigs are tied together by a silver chain in the shape of a snake.

Symbolism and Metaphor: Self-Fulfilling Prophecy?

Now we have reached one of the most interesting parts of the interpretation of the short film “Dinner For Few”.

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Location

The surroundings and the hotel itself are not in harsh conflict with each other. At least not from the outside. Outside, a storm is raging, churning up the sea so that high waves are smashing the rocks on which the hotel is built. The heavy smoke in the background signals to the viewer that there is either a large fire or that the area has been heavily industrialised. The hotel itself is a symbol for us to understand that nothing lasts forever, just like a stay in a hotel. We all leave this world allowing the next generations to flourish again.

Hotel Room

The hotel room where the main story takes place contrasts with the exterior of the hotel. It is an elegant and quite colourful room that is eventually taken apart. This could be a sign of a certain limited age period that loses its value and beauty over time.

The Six Pigs

The first characters to be in the spotlight are the 6 pigs. There are different ways to interpret the number six. In the bible, the number 6 is the number of imperfection, sin and evil. But it is also the number of the test, the work and the servitude in the Hebraic law, which ordered to work for six days, to sow the earth for six years and that a slave serves his master for six years. While pigs symbolise both intelligence and adaptability they also stand for unclean, unholy, and distasteful animals.

The pigs exhibit human-like behaviour. They are well-dressed, which shows that they belong to the upper class. 2 pigs attract the most attention. The first is the pig dressed in a judge’s robe. This pig still wears the large white wig that judges used to wear until around the 1780s, after which they switched to smaller wigs. In some countries, these wigs are still worn in courtrooms. The second pig that catches the eye is the pig that appears to be a member of the Church, probably the Pope himself. It wears the colour purple, which has a very special meaning. In fact, the colour purple can stand for royalty, majesty and high officials and also convey the meaning of wealth, prosperity and luxury. The cross on the robe is typical of the clerical robe worn by the Pope.

The Humble Man

The 6 pigs eat what is served to them by a simple man. He is dressed very modestly, which could indicate that he belongs to the lower/lower middle class. As he is well-fed, he could also belong to the upper class. The man transforms the objects in the room and also the room itself into food by processing them with a machine he carries around with him. This man is the provider of the pigs. Despite the seemingly rich background of the pigs, the man who provides the food is the most powerful. This becomes particularly clear when he saves the pigs from their final death.

Black & White Cats

We meet the other main characters of the short film at the dining table: black and white cats. The cats walk around the table. They seem hungry and ravenous. They watch the pigs eat. The cats embody the general population, especially the lower and middle classes. In symbolism cats stand for curiosity, independence and companionship.

The Snake

One of the hungry cats follows a meatball that rolls under the table and finds itself in front of a huge silver chain. The cat never reappears again. This silver chain binds all the pigs together. As a result, there is no escape for the pigs. They are condemned to continue eating and keeping each other company. Although they are in a much better position than the cats, they are not free.

The silver chain takes the form of a snake. The snake is probably one of the most controversial animals in history. It is often associated with rebirth and change, but it is also the most subtle of all animals in God’s creation. Therefore, the serpent represents evil and is closely associated with the devil/satan.

Jordan B. Peterson on the snake as a symbol:

The Mouse

In one scene, we see the cats distracted by a mouse. This mouse is provided by one of the pigs sitting at the table. It acts as a distraction. You could say that this mouse is a symbol of the entertainment industry. An industry that is mainly funded by the rich and powerful to entertain the masses. After all, there is some truth to the quote:

“Give them bread and circuses”

Juvenal

The Tiger

When the cats get bored because they are not being entertained and are still hungry because the pigs are keeping the food for them, they start jumping on the table and together they become a tiger. The tiger is a symbol of strength, dignity, protection but also ferocity. In this case, the tiger represents a rebellion or a revolution, if you will. The tiger, hungry and finally strong enough, devours the pigs. One by one, until there are no more pigs left and the room is full of blood.

This is exactly what happens when the lower and middle classes decide to join forces and form a unit. Finally, they are strong enough to hold the powerful to account and fight back. Satisfied, the tiger lies down to sleep. The man who provided the pigs with food was a silent spectator to this event. Now he kills the tiger by slashing it open.

The Kittens

Black and white kittens emerge from the tiger’s belly. The man, happy to have given birth to the kittens, takes them to another hotel room. Through the shadows, we see some of the kittens turn into pigs.

The Self-Fulfilling Prophecy

The same pigs from earlier. This is to show that no matter how many times society is broken, it is a cycle that keeps repeating itself. There will always be some among us who rise to the upper class or are born into the upper class, and some (the majority) who form the lower and middle classes.

In all of this, the humble man is the most fascinating figure. The man is the provider. He is the one who keeps everything running in the background. Without him, there would be no pigs, no cats and no society. This man is THE SYSTEM. He is the one who is destined to keep society alive by providing for it and bringing forth the new generation.

Speculations: The Humble Man

Some speculate that this man could also be a politician who caters for the upper class. Politicians have a higher standard of living than the lower and middle classes but are still a puppet of the rich. The machine he operates is the economy.

And always keep in mind: you are more than welcome to give me your interpretation or your point of view in the comments below.

Summary

Controversy : Social and Political Influence

This animated short film is undoubtedly influenced by social and political aspects. The film is “gesellschaftskritisch” (German for socially critical). The quote from Berthold Brecht at the beginning of the film was the first and also a great indication of the direction the film will take.

“Those who eat their fill speak to the hungry of wonderful times to come.“

Berthold Brecht

Berthold Brecht, just like this film was a man who wanted people to reach their fullest potential. He wanted people to feel, but above all, also to be free.

Society as we know it can only function if the rich take from the poor. In other words, if there is no equal relationship between rich and poor. The lower and middle classes (=working class) are the ones who can provide, produce and enrich a country. The upper class is responsible for overseeing the whole process and ensuring things go as they should. They are the bankers, CEOs, entrepreneurs and philanthropists of the world. Money is power. The people with money also hold the greatest power; just like the pigs, they are chained together by an invisible bond.

Social Class System

In the graphic below we see the different class subdivisions. Starting from the lowest (Lower Lower Class) to the highest (Upper Upper Class). The factors that influence the subdivisions are mainly wealth, occupation, income and education.

Emotional Impact

The short film should trigger an emotional reaction in you. It should make you think about how our society functions, is structured and exists. As a result, it has a different meaning for each of us. The interpretation of the individual characters, but also of the plot itself, can vastly vary.

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A Brief History Of Society

What Is Society?

The word “society” derives from the Latin word “socius” which means companion, association or fellowship. This is because humans are always living in the company of their fellow human beings. Humans have a better chance of survival and are stronger if they live in associations and larger groups. Society and human connections are essential for us humans. We saw in the last blog post “Social Media: 5 Reasons Why We Never Seem To Be Happy” just how important real human interaction is. It keeps us healthier and allows us to live a longer and happier life.

Society: Elements and Charcteristics

Sociology is the complex pattern of norms and behaviours on which a particular society can be analysed and studied. The basic elements and characteristics of society are:

1. Population: a group of people who live in a specific geographic area
2. Culture: shared beliefs, values, customs, traditions, language, artefacts (tangible and non tangible assets)
3. Social Structure: organized patterns of relationships and interactions within a society
4. Instructions: mechanism of social orders that provide a framework for organizing and regulating societal activities
5. Social Organisations: the way people are organized into groups and institutions (ex. social classes, ethnic groups)
6. Social Norms: shared expectations and rules that guide behavior within a society (established by the society itself)
7. Sozialisation: the process through which individuals learn and internalise the values, norms, and behaviours of their society
8. Language: crucial element of society as it facilitates communication and the transmission of culture
9. Values: shared beliefs about what is important and desirable in a society
10. Economic System: the way a society organizes and manages its economic resources, production, distribution, and consumption is a key characteristic
11. Political System: involves the structures and processes through which a society makes decisions and governs itself
12. Technology: technological advancements influence the way societies function (communication, production, lifestyle)
13. Symbols and Rituals: important for communication and expressing shared meanings within a society (ex. flags)
14. Social Control: control mechanisms, such as laws and informal norms, help maintain order and regulate behaviour within a society

Social interactions are the fundamental structure of society. A clear indication of how well or bad a society functions and human interactions are is how the weakest among us are treated.

A society will be judged by how it treats its weakest members.

Harry S. Truman

Modern Society

Definition

Modern society refers to the present and the way in which people interact with each other and the world around them. It encompasses various cultural, social, economic and political factors that shape the lives of individuals and communities. From technological advances to changing attitudes towards gender and diversity, modern society is constantly evolving and it is important to understand the key trends and issues that are shaping our world today. This understanding can help us navigate the challenges and opportunities of modern life and create a better and fairer society for all.

Social Developement: How We Got Here

• Hunter & Gatherer Societies (2.5 million years ago – 10,000 BC): Societies were often nomadic and relied on hunting, gathering, and fishing for sustenance. Social structures were simple, with small groups cooperating for survival.
• Agricultural Revolution (10,000 BC – 3,300 BC): The ability to cultivate crops and domesticate animals led to the development of more complex societies.
• Formation of Cities and Civilisations (3,300 BC – 1,200 BC): Agricultural surplus allowed for the establishment of permanent settlements and the rise of urban centers. This led to the formation of civilisations, characterised by advanced social, economic, and political structures (ex. Mesopotamia, Egypt, Indus Valley)
• Trade and Exchange (3,300 BC – ): Advanced civilisations often witnessed cultural and scientific achievements (ex. writing system, legal system, medicine, mathematics, astronomy).
• Cultural and Scientific Achievements (1,200 BC – 14th century): Trade networks expanded, facilitating the exchange of goods, ideas, and technologies between different regions.
• Feudalism and Medieval Period (5th century – 15th century): In medieval Europe and other parts of the world, feudalism emerged as a social and economic system. This hierarchical structure involved landownership, vassalage, and obligations between lords and peasants.
• Renaissance and Enlightenment: (14th century – 18th century): The Renaissance marked a period of renewed interest in art, literature, and humanism, fostering cultural and intellectual growth. The Enlightenment emphasised reason, individual rights, and the scientific method, laying the groundwork for modern democratic ideals.
• Industrial Revolution (18th century – 19th century): The Industrial Revolution, beginning in the 18th century, brought about profound economic and technological changes.
  • First Industrial Revolution (1765): Mechanisation
  • Second Industrial Revolution (1870): Technological advancements – combustion engine, telegraph, telephone
  • Third Industrial Revolution (1969): Further technological advancements – rise of electronics, telecommunications, computers,
  • Fourth Industrial Revolution (present -): Internet and AI
• Modernisation and Globalisation (19th century – 20th century): Globalisation accelerated in the late 20th century, connecting societies economically, culturally, and politically.

Where We Are Now

• Information Age (20th century – 21th century : 1970s – 2010s): The late 20th century and beyond witnessed the rise of the Information Age, characterised by rapid advancements in technology, particularly in telecommunications and the internet. This era brought unprecedented access to information and reshaped communication patterns.
• Cultural Pluralism (20th century – ): Many modern societies embrace cultural pluralism, recognizing and celebrating diversity. This includes respect for different ethnicities, religions, and lifestyles, fostering a more inclusive and interconnected world.

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Burning Bridges

What Sets Us Apart

I think we can all admit that it’s in our nature to focus on the negative first. We like to point out what we don’t like about others and how bad the world around us is. Recognising what is good in our lives and going north and not south seems to be boring for a large part of us.

We focus on what makes us tick. We collect all sorts of reasons why we may not like or even respect the other person sitting behind a screen or on the other side of the train. The reason we are so eager to decide whether or not we side with a person is because of our need to categorise people. People seem to have a need to pigeonhole others and label them based on their assumptions about them. Whether these assumptions turn out to be true or not doesn’t seem to matter that much.

We take one look at a person and we think we know them. If we read one or two comments by someone on the internet, we immediately know we despise them. If we talk to a stranger for 10 minutes, we think we have them completely figured out. In fact, we focus on small details that are important to us. However, we evaluate people based on our own predetermined value system. As a result, our mind starts to paint a vivid picture of the person we are seeing, reading a comment of or talking to. If someone doesn’t match our preconceived notion, we “burn” the metaphorical bridge to that person without re-evaluating them or thinking twice about it.

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Building Bridges

What We Have In Common

Building bridges is much more difficult than burning them. The problems we encounter most often are our perceptions and prejudices. The most beneficial thing any of us can do is to give everyone a chance to present themselves to us. In short, to be more open to the possibility of maybe being proven wrong by others. Putting yourself out there, being kind and unbiased will also contribute to your personal development. We can learn a lot from others simply by listening and trying to understand. It also helps you to get out of your comfort zone.

It is essential not only to build bridges with others but also to keep them intact over the long term. In order for that to happen you have to have an understanding of who you are and what you want from life. It is normal to let go of people who are no longer a part of your life. Holding on to the past is not the solution. But building stable, meaningful, long-term relationships is one of the most important aspects of our existence.

The values and virtues that unite us all are the basic human needs and desires. After all, we are not too different. Proof of this is Maslow’s hierarchy of needs:

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Philosophical Extra

The Father Of Philosophy On Society And Politics

“If you want to be wrong then follow the masses.”

Socrates

Early Life

Socrates was a scholar, teacher and philosopher born in circa 470 B.C. in Athens, Greece. Although he never published or wrote, as almost all other philosophers did, dialogs, thesis and plays on his own, he is still considered to be the father of systems of logic and philosophy.

Socratic Methode

For Socrates, Athens was a classroom, and he asked questions of the elite and the common man to arrive at political and ethical truths. Socrates did not lecture on what he knew. Rather, he claimed to know nothing at all.

He asked his fellow Athenians questions in a dialectical method – the Socratic method – which forced the audience to think a problem through to reach a logical conclusion. Sometimes the answer seemed so obvious that Socrates’ opponents were left looking foolish. For this reason, his Socratic Method was admired by some and reviled by others. Basic examples of questions asked in the Socratic Method are:

• “What is happiness?”
• “What is love?”
• “What is a duck?”

Socrates quickly pointed out any inconsistencies with the person’s answer and kept asking further questions. He aimed to improve people’s definitions and come to a conclusion. More often than not, people had to admit that although they had a basic idea of what ‘happiness’ or ‘love’ was, there was no right answer. It turned out that we often don’t know what we think we know. And that, in fact, we only begin to understand what something is when we exclude everything that it is not. This process is called “apophatic“. To find out more and to adopt the art of critical thinking yourself, check out the video below or click on this link.

Socrates On Democracy

Socrates wanted people to doubt, be sceptical and ask as many questions as they could. He urged people to question authorities and assumptions and to challenge their beliefs as well as the norms and values established by society. In short, he wanted people to think more critically and to, above all, think for themselves. He opposed himself to believe that the masses know best. As most people don’t question narratives, are politically illiterate, trust their gut feeling and don’t think rationally. Therefore, he was convinced that democracy is not as reliable as we think it is. To learn more about Socrates’ thoughts on democracy, follow the link.

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CONCLUSION

We may believe that our society is evolving and constantly changing. Ultimately, we believe that society is shifting and that each of us has a say in how we evolve as a community. While this is true, it is also very unlikely that everyone would feel realised and seen. As long as there is a desire for self-fulfilment, greed and the need for more, there will always be a class system.

Cats will turn into tigers as soon as the urge to stand up for a cause seems urgent. But ultimately there will always be some cats who turn into pigs, as the temptation to acquire wealth often corrupts morals and ethics and it is their way to put self-actualisation into action. As much as we would like to believe that we would do everything differently if we were in a position of power and not tempted by huge amounts of money, we only know for sure when we are in that situation. Everything else is just an assumption.

2.5 million years ago, the first groups formed, small societies to ensure survival, and even after all these years in which we have experienced countless upheavals, we are still in the same position. One group fights and challenges the other. We should learn to build bridges, not just between individuals, but between groups. Black and white, Republicans and Democrats, vegans and meat eaters. The human need to belong and feel accepted compels us to join groups and form communities. But what if belonging to a group did not mean hating and despising others? Of course, hating the other group unites, but at what cost?

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Extra

Listen to Joe Rogan and Sebastian Junger talk about modern society. #philosophywithrogan

Link to the video here.