[Article] Bakhtin's Carnival in Poppy Z. Brite's Exquisite Corpse

Poppy Z. Brite's Exquisite Corpse, an approximately 4,250-word article, is not a read for the faint-hearted. Filled with vivid and dark imagery, it presents a grim picture of the underworld that few individuals will be lucky enough to avoid. The story primarily unfolds in New Orleans, where the old-fashioned charm harmonizes with the modern neon lights, creating an atmosphere that perfectly embodies Bakhtin's concept of carnival. Through the lens of carnival, author K.J. Pierce delves into various aspects of Exquisite Corpse, from the overarching theme of role-reversals to the significance of masks, food, and drink, as well as the exploration of grotesque imagery and speech within the narrative. Here, we will briefly examine some instances of these elements in the novel.

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