Francois Rabelais’ Satire of Medieval and Renaissance...

Francois Rabelais’ Satire of Medieval and Renaissance Learning In Gargantua and Pantagruel 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†¦show more content†¦Yet, Rabelais also provides them with a word of caution: â€Å"Following the dog’s example, you will have to be wise in sniffing, smelling, and estimating these fine and meaty books [†¦] you should break the bone and suck the substantific marrow† (49). Like the dog who chews a bone, Rabelais tells his readers to look beyond the humor to the true meaning of the stories. Thus, he seems to suggest that Gargantua and Pantagruel is not just a comedy but a commentary. He seems to reinforce this idea in his glib statement: â€Å"If you don’t believe it, I don’t care; but a good fellow, a man of good sense, ought always to believe what anybody tells him and whatever he sees in print† (69). The reader can assume that Rabelais’ sarcasm is not just meant to be funny, but to be a warning. Rabelais suggests that the reader shouldn’t take anything at face value but should keep focused on discovering the true meaning behind his writing. With that warning, Rabelais then begins his fantastic story and satire of giants who possess the qualities of humans strikingly similar to the humans of the Medieval Ages. He begins Book First: Gargantua with a genealogy of Gargantua that echoes the epic catalogues: â€Å"From the Assyrians to the Medes; / From the Medes to the Persians; / [†¦] From the Greeks to the French† (54). The list is extensive and is offered as a parody of the Medievalist preoccupation withShow MoreRelatedHow the Renaissance, Reformation, and Scientific Revolution Led to a More Secular and Democrtatic Society1437 Words   |  6 PagesPolitical Reform: How the Renaissance, Reformation, and Scientific Revolution Led to a more Secular and Democratic Political Atmosphere. Since the beginning of time cultural views have influenced and shaped our society but never has more change occurred than during the Renaissance, Reformation, and Scientific Revolution. We leave the middle ages a society of Kings and feudal life and emerge with the beginnings of modern political theory. The Renaissance was a defining moment inRead MoreNorthern Humanism, Renaissance, and Late Mannerism1960 Words   |  8 PagesDuring the sixteenth century, Europe was undergoing changes and developing two artistic styles, as well as a religious situation. These styles were known as the Northern Renaissance and late mannerism, also encountered by Reformation, which separated religious unity. During the Reformation, hostile groups known as Protestants were formed against the church because they wanted a complete renovation of the church and Roman Catholics. Late mannerism emerged at the end of the century and had little