I find the carnival of Bakhtin interesting not necessarily in the realm of literary theory, but in that of socio-political discourse. The “temporary liberation”, as Bakhtin puts it, is necessary for the proletariat to understand what there is for them, to almost provide the motivation needed for a revolution. This idea of carnival is the first step; the suspension of rank and order, of class and distinction, with carnival the ‘unofficial’ emerges. This ‘unofficial’ brings out an “atmosphere of freedom, frankness, and familiarity.” The new world of hope and happiness is only momentary, soon it ends and everything goes back to the way it was—cultural structure is powerful, more today than ever so ultimately this break from reality is just a game or an act and the industry of culture never looses its grip. It would take more than the sense of carnival to change the dominating power structures that exist, but it gives us a look into an unconfined and limitless future of the everyman.
A look at the truly carnivalesque interacting with those unexposed to the pleasures:
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