Carnivalesque is a concept that is directly associated with the theory of Bakhtin presented in “Rabelais and his Word”. Bakhtin explained that culture has been managed or controlled by authorities and church mainly in the medieval time. However, with time, culture became a surrogated element for generally accepted activity of humor. Bakhtin presented a very clear idealistic image of carnival where everything could happen to illustrate life and celebrate the presence of body. This rather raises the question regarding carnival as a significant part of modern life. This paper aims to discuss the statement of Bakhtin stating that carnival has undergone a great deal of transition from medieval time to romanticism. Furthermore, a discussion or implementation of the idea that was presented by Bakhtin will be done on Batman (1989) and Night before Christmas (1993).
It is important to understand the context of carnival theory presented by Bakhtin before discussing the difference between medieval and modern carnival and the reasons behind transition. The contextual understanding of carnival by Bakhtin is based upon the European tradition of carnival. Critics claimed that Bakhtin took interest in assessing the seventh century forms of the grotesque because he was impressed by carnivals as he viewed them as occasions where the lows and highs of the society submerged together for some time. In simpler words, the authority of the church and state came together without any control. It will not be incorrect to state that Bakhtin’s account of carnival was anarchic where everyone liberated as audiences and performers (McNay, 1994).
It has further been stated by Bakhtin that Carnivalesque bodies were involved in the use of absurd or laughter in or...
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... a way of celebration. Previously, carnival was considered as a way to bring different levels into a surrogated one. Throughout the period of romanticism, phenomenological practices and experiences underwent major changes. These transitions are evident from fact that more and more emphasis is now put on masquerade. The view of carnival was rather in terms of celebrating death. In simpler words, it can be said that life that ends once, is more likely to leave out a way for another to begin. The example which was aforementioned also marks that the literature in medieval times talked about eternal dance and one level for all where a life ends and gives a way for the new one to begin. The example of films has also shown us that interpretation of carnival has changed in modern times. Now, more and more stress in being posed on people having different characters to play.
A fabliau is a short comic tale, chiefly in French, that is written in verse and usually consists of lewd humor. The title comes from the diminutive form of the word “fable”, and the earliest example of such poetry was found during the twelfth century. In the reading, “The Fabliaux” by Nathaniel E. Dubin, there is a collection of short poems that tell amusing stories, such as one of a girl who cannot stand to hear lewd language and a priest who fools a peasant into believing that his own eyes are deceitful.
To what extent can BFC be viewed as drawing on key elements of Bakhtin’s notion of carnivalesque?
It was also a means of containing social unrest and reassuring a population that was worried about its future and its political organisation. Public rituals were used to legitimise the regime and generate trust at home and abroad. The example of the carnival of 1513 demonstrates that the purposes of public rituals were heavily dependent on patrons and their interests, and that there was a tension between the private and the public, and the visible and the invisible. As a ritual, the carnival was used by the Medici as a means of self-representation as charismatic rulers.30 This was an inherent part of the construction of the Medicean state, by bringing the people in one public space which would honour them. Public rituals thus conferred a special meaning to the public space in Renaissance Florence, which became the place where the governors met the governed and public life influenced private
Castle, Terry. Masquerade and Civilization:.The Carnivalesque in Eighteenth-Century English Culture and Fiction. Stanford University Press, Stanford, 1996.
“Venice Carnival – Venice About.” Venice Carnival – Venice About. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Jan. 2014. .
The Fall of Icarus by the artist Pieter Bruegel depicts change that was occurring from the Medieval period to the Renaissance. Significance can be found within the word renaissance as it means ‘rebirth’. More importantly the rebirth that was occurring during that era was one where people were looking back to the classical past for inspiration for art pieces. The most elite artist but not people who were peasants as their daily life differed did this. Bruegel offers a perspective in his piece, Fall of Icarus representation of the new age of exploration which serves as an allusion to man’s potential is starkly contrasted with the depiction of Icarus that serves as an allegory for man’s limits, indicating the shift from a euro-centric universe.
Logan, Jenkins. “Twelfth Night: The Limits of Festivity.” Studies in English Literature, 1500-1900 22.2 (1982): 223-38. Print.
Christmas and Opera did not merely seem to correlate, but understanding where the two events derived from can help one to understand the similarities and differences between them. The development of Christmas was different from the creation of opera because the working class was controlling the other social classes for profit. Whereas for opera, the different social classes unified to keep opera as entertainment and not a social event. Another difference came within the writing and context throughout the article and the presentation of information conveyed by the author. Yet the events share the similarity of both being refined and reinvented.
In his book Gargantua and Pantagruel, Francois Rabelais uses satire to address the dislocation felt by Renaissance Humanists. By providing an exaggerated fable, comical in nature, Rabelais poses a serious introspection into the extremes of both the Medieval and the Renaissance man. More importantly, however, he brings into question his own ideals of Humanism. Through an analysis of Rabelais’ satirical technique and by examining his social parody of the Medieval and the Renaissance man, we are able to better understand Rabelais’ introspection into the ideals of his own generation and to accept his argument that learning is transitory and often a necessary, yet futile, attempt to understand our world.
When carnival was created it was a day for the peasants to have freedom to do what they wanted to the kings and the hierarchy above them, but my question is why did the kings take it to heart? If what the Kings do to the peasants on a daily basis is not accepted when it is done to them on the day of carnival, then why do it at all?
The creative class is an emerging socioeconomic class in the United States. Richard Florida, a well-decorated Professor, defined this new class of Americans. Richard Florida focused on social and economic theories, which has developed a popular reputation in many cities today where the creative class has been adopted. This new class of Americans emerged after Richard Florida debuted his book The Rise of the Creative Class: And How it’s Transforming Work, Leisure, Community and Everyday Life in 2002. After 2002 postindustrial cities began to move to more economic development.
In “The Old Acrobat,” the flanuer is lured by the naturalistic and crude appearances of the street performers caused by society’s need for abstract stimulation. The acrobat is physically and mentally drained from performing straining and exhausting tasks for the gratification of others. The dominant scent at the carnival is “a frying odor”2 which hints that the performers are sacrificing themselves and literally “frying” their souls away to satisfy their hungry audiences. Even the acrobat is described as being “illuminated all too well by two burned-down candles”3 which are “dripping and smoking.”4 There is a sense of...
“The origins of the Santiago Carnival go back to the end of the seventeenth century when processions would wind their way through the city streets celebrating the feast day of Santiago, the Patron Saint of the city.” Cuba Absolutely. “Carnival de Santiago de Cuba.” July 21-29, 2014. The Spanish would celebrate ST. James in their own way and then allowed the African slaves to celebrate it, they added their music and dances to the tradition. People then began seeing this tradition as a way to celebrate “el pueblo.” This mixed is was created how carnivals are celebrated in modern Cuba today. The Carnival dates were extended to celebrate other saints during the months of June, July and August and of course to party more. Different cities around Cuba chose what days they will celebrate it, they usually last a week long. Carnivals are full of life, lights and music. People spend the whole year preparing for this day. Dancers have to practice their choreographies, and groups of people have to prepare for the parade, they prepare for the order in which the Carnival goes and the people participating. The carnival starts with children parades, that time is dedicated to all the children. Following that are the walks, people walk and dance to the rhythm of the music and drums. They also do a commemoration to the Cuban heroes. Then the carousels start making their way in, it is very creative, making it perfect! They have different theme carousels with people dancing to the congas and the music. Street vendors also prepare for this celebration, which is a day of great compensation for them. Most of them sell “bocadito” which is sold a lot during carnival days, it is a ripped pork sandwich, and Cuban pizza which is homemade and it’s delicious! The party does not end when the carousel show is over, most kiosk, restaurants and bars are open for the after
The renaissance was a time in history when people began a new outlook on life. Individualistic views and glorification of the human self and body became very prominent during this time especially in the art and renaissance culture. The new view of individualism showed in every phase of the renaissance. Art in the form of paintings and sculptures, mirror the glorification of the human form. Literature was more secular and exhibited individualism and improvement of individuals, this was also shown in education. As well as the revival of the classics and the new outlook on the human mind and it’s
I am going into event planning, in the sector of the hospitality industry. Event planning industry is on the rise and is not glued to one specific genre, hence, there are several to choose from. Event planning is needed for all sorts of occasions such as, birthday parties, weddings, fundraisers, product launches, concerts, anniversaries, fashion shows, conferences, graduations, business meetings, and much more! It is an industry that will never stop growing and improving. Specifically, an event planner job includes working with clients, creating a positive self-image, networking with clients, and personal and financial gain.