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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Chapter 4, Chapter 2 - The Language of the Marketplace.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. According to Bakhtin's semiotic understanding, what irony is inherent within the creative power of language?
(a) All languages are one.
(b) No word can actually ever be defined.
(c) Language does not actually express anything.
(d) The individual expresses him- or herself only through the words of others.

2. Bakhtin connects Medieval "seriousness" most closely to:
(a) Fear, weakness, and violence.
(b) Feasting, spectacles, and sex.
(c) Inspiration and hope.
(d) Scholarly activities.

3. Which answer best describes "grotesque realism"?
(a) The tone of the writing is always dark, Gothic, and depressing.
(b) The writing must strive to be as mathematically or geometrically accurate as possible in its descriptions.
(c) The author's focus must be on bodily gore, blood, death, and dying.
(d) The bodily element is universal, celebratory, positive, and exaggerated.

4. According to Bakhtin, what is the function of art?
(a) To be sold for money or services.
(b) To be beautiful in and of itself.
(c) To communicate meaningful messages.
(d) To glorify the artist.

5. Why are Rabelais' billingsgate elements considered "coarse and cynical" by most scholars?
(a) The Latin derivations of his scatological vocabulary mean "cynical."
(b) Many scholars believe that Rabelais himself was bitter from publication disputes.
(c) Many scholars interpret them only in a modern context.
(d) These elements express a deep distrust of contemporary society.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why did Bakhtin feel his times were comparable to those of the Renaissance?

2. During Bakhtin's time, what genre was being closely defined by the Soviet government?

3. What do oaths and curses have in common with town announcements and the calls of vendors?

4. What repressive organization was Bakhtin forced to join in order to continue writing?

5. The purpose of "travesty" in folk festivals was to:

(see the answer key)

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