Rabelais and His World

"Rabelais and His World" explores the world of the French Renaissance writer François Rabelais, focusing on the themes of carnival, grotesque realism, and popular culture in his works.

Bakhtin examines how Rabelais used humor, satire, and the subversion of social hierarchies to challenge established norms and values.

The book delves into the symbolism of the carnival, where traditional roles and power structures are temporarily overturned, and the grotesque body, which celebrates the material and bodily aspects of human existence.

Bakhtin argues that Rabelais's work embodies a unique form of folk culture that offers a powerful critique of authority and celebrates the liberating potential of laughter and the common people.

This analysis provides insights into the cultural and social dynamics of the Renaissance and the enduring relevance of Rabelais's vision.