The Cheese and the Worms is a 16th-century book by Carlo Ginzburg that greatly focused and examined Mennochio’s world-view and beliefs. Mennochio, an Italian miller, found himself in a number of problems for challenging the societal norms that he felt were not essential. Mennochio was the best representative of the popular trends in Italy that advocated for counter-reformation. Mennochio’s beliefs have divided opinions, depending on the perspective from which the viewer analyzes them. For instance, analyzing his character and beliefs in the present world, he represents a societal hero fighting for the society to embrace right ways. However, this is not the case when analyzing him from a 16th century perspective. In that time of his existence, it was an offence to question the authorities vehemently like he did. As such, he was considered a rebel and a shame to the society. His behavior eventually saw him burned in 1599, aged 67. This followed Pope Clement VIII’s orders in order to ensure…show more content… Mennochio’s way of belief represented the thought of peasants and the reciprocal influence that existed between the dominant cultures and the people of the lower class. However true his statements were, Mennochio’s assertions and comments put him in trouble, finding himself in a number of trials facilitated by the Holy Office to uncover his unique attitude to religion and the unacceptable belief systems (Ginzburg, 54). During this century, the citizens were expected to take instructions completely from the leaders without questioning. It was, therefore, unacceptable that Mennochio had contemporary thoughts in challenging the status quo. Voicing such opinions was considered as an invitation to be persecuted. Although he had a noble cause and had good intentions for the peasants and the less privileged members of the society, he was considered a rebel. This made him such a dangerous personality during the