Rabelais and His World

"Rabelais and His World" is a book by literary critic Mikhail Bakhtin that explores the works of French writer François Rabelais. It examines how Rabelais used humor, satire, and grotesque images to challenge authority, social norms, and traditional beliefs. Bakhtin emphasizes that Rabelais's playful language and festive spirit create a space for free expression and social critique, reflecting a worldview that values chaos, vitality, and the body's pleasures. The book highlights how Rabelais's work is a celebration of life’s chaos and a subversion of societal constraints, offering insight into the culture of the Renaissance.