Francois Rabelais’ satirical book Gargantua appeared as Europe was experiencing the widespread transition from the late middle ages into the early modern era. During this period of the High Renaissance, a shift in consciousness and values was occurring that was typified by the new movement of humanism. Rabelais illustrates this new humanist mentality through his biographical writings of a giant named Gargantua. Embedded within the story of Gargantua’s life lies Rabelais opinions and attitude towards religion, individualism and the institutions of the church and the monarchy. Throughout Gargantua, Rabelais criticizes such subjects as scholasticism, belief in the supernatural, the adherence to rules, the monarchy, the church and the vice of monasticism, and advocates a humanist education and individualism. Through his use of diverse and comical characters placed within a racy and scatological storyline, Rabelais is able to give the reader a unique glimpse into the intellect and morality of contemporary French society at a time in between eras. He opens his work with a piece supporting the authenticity of the record of the young giant�

The war is a battle between Good and Evil or right and wrong. It is a moral battle between two kings representing very different notions of the duties of kings. Good finally prevails. With the aid of Friar John, Gargantua finally conquers the invading army. After conquering the army, Gargantua graciously shows mercy on all the prisoners.

As stated by Rabelais, “This is the proper regimen prescribed by the art of good, sound medicine, although a rabble of foolish physicians, worn out by the wranglings of the sophists, advise the contrary” (Cohen, p. 91). And then, “In this way Gargantua was tutored… a course of things which, though it seemed difficult at first, became so sweet, easy, and pleasant as it went on that it was more like king’s recreation than a student’s plan of study” (Cohen, p. 93). On the subject of God, Rabelais says, “And so they prayed to God the Creator, worshipping Him, reaffirming their faith in Him, glorifying Him for His immense goodness, rendering thanks to Him for all the past, and recommending themselves to His divine clemency for all the future. This done, they went to their rest” (Cohen, p.92).

The King promptly flew into a furious rage and, without any further question of why or how, called out his vassals great and small, commanding every one, under pain of the halter, to assemble armed in the great square in front of the castle at the hour of midday; and for the furtherance of this design he had the drum beaten all round the town (Cohen, p. 96).

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