Why is carnival so important?

Why was Mikhail Bahktin sent to prison?

If you would not normally socially interact with someone who has been to prison, would you make an exception if the real cause was that his theories about literature were powerful but subversive in post-revolution Russia?

Who is the Harlequin and why does this character matter?

Interpret the phrase, "Parisian women are cheap" in relation to your own contemporary view of your society and sexual behavior amongst your peers in general.

What is a "codpiece"? When were these items normal parts of trousers?

What is a swab and why is it important?

How does the portrayal of the Devil change during this book?

Do you think there is anything like Carnival today, in your culture?