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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Bakhtin argue is the relationship between the death of Tappecoue and the episode of the Catchpoles?

2. Gargamelle gives birth to Gargantua as a result of:

3. What is especially apparent in Rabelais' own "Pantagruelesque Prognostic" prophecy?

4. What is the theme of "cuckoldry"?

5. What does the etymology of Gargantua's name suggest his name means?

Short Essay Questions

1. Discuss the significance of Gargantua's birth.

2. What is significant about the language in which Rabelais writes and the sources of many of his words?

3. What does Bakhtin mean when he writes that popular-festive carnivalesque performances have no "footlights"?

4. What is the significance of "cuckoldry," and how is it portrayed?

5. Describe the figure of "Gros Guillaume" and his significance to Rabelais' novel.

6. What is the nature of the carnivalesque crowd in Rabelais' novel?

7. What is the significance of Friar John's description of the monastery belfry as "fecund"?

8. What is the role of games in Rabelais' work?

9. What did the Medieval stage resemble?

10. Why does Bakhtin assert that we cannot make the mistake of interpreting Rabelais' images of the material body lower stratum with our modern sensibilities?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the nature of Medieval and Renaissance popular dramatic forms. On what occasions were performances held? What genre were these performances, and what was their common subject matter? What does Bakhtin mean when he asserts that such performances had no "footlights"? Citing examples from the text, explore the theme of universalism in these dramas.

Essay Topic 2

Define the term "carnivalesque" as Bakhtin uses it. Then, demonstrate this definition by applying it to at least two of the episodes, characters, or scenes which take place in Rabelais' novel. What does the carnivalesque demonstrate about the nature of folk culture? What role does humor play in the carnivalesque?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the meaning and significance of "grotesque realism." How is it manifested in Rabelais' time? How is the material body presented in the tradition of the grotesque? Why does Bakhtin connect folk culture so closely with the grotesque? Use examples from the text to support your points.

(see the answer keys)

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