In his studies of literature and the philosophy of language Mikhail Bakhtin sees parody not as a criticism of an original but a "dialogical" dimension in literature closely related to intertextuality. The parody is not seen as a "form"; it is a function — a relation between one text and another. All language is related to other language and the deeper consequences of Bakhtin's thinking bring one face to face with the impossibility of monological, monolithical approaches to literature and other human expression — to all forms of culture. Man is characterized by ambivalence, dialogue and multiplicity.