This comment was written by Milene Klein on 14 Feb 2024.

Remediating Protest, Emma Larson Main Menu

Milene!

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I really enjoyed your application of Bakhtinian theory to Zoshchenko's work! Especially compelling to me is the connection you draw between Bakhtin's conception of "two realities"—one of serious political discourse, the other its (my word, not his; is this, then, meta-silliness?) underbelly—and сказ. Despite its clearly being a form of lexical and literary mimicry, I hadn't considered situating сказ on the axis of parody in the Bakhtinian sense prior to reading your post.

In that vein, your description of the real-world political implications of, or justification for, сказ of course evoked the relevant discussion we held in class. You gesture very effectively to Zoshchenko's subtle (at least per censors' guidelines) critique and сказ's function as both a vehicle for critique and a humorous guise—one that, whilst tempering, does not defang his stories.

Thank you for this insightful analysis :) it was a joy to read and comment on!

Contents of this reply:

  1. Parody, Satire, and Political Humor: Bakhtinian Doubles Through Skaz