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Rabelais and Castiglione as Humorists

Abstract Rabelais and Castiglione are major figures in the literature of the Renaissance, and they share an interest in humour and a talent for engendering it. Though Rabelais is by far the greater comic writer, it is clear that he was aware of Castiglione's work, and respected it to the point of quoting him on at least one occasion. Where they differ is in the degree of restraint which the Italian imposes on his material, as contrast the Frenchman's deliberate flouting of social if not literary convention. At the same time, Rabelais fully appreciates the didactic value of humour, whilst Castiglione's wit is not immune to the occasional flight of moral irresponsibility.