The Renaissance Movement: Historical Perspective and Impact on English Literature
The Renaissance, meaning "rebirth," was a period of revival in classical learning, centered in Italy after the Turkish Conquest of Constantinople in 1453. This era saw a shift from medieval beliefs to human-centered thinking, with a focus on exploring the limitless possibilities of the human mind and fostering individualism. The Renaissance led to a love for classical literature, humanism, and the rejection of medieval lifestyle restrictions, ultimately influencing English literature through the transformation of drama and the adoption of new themes and influences.
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The Renaissance Movement Historical Perspective Renaissance- a French word- rebirth , revival , reawakening . -rebirth of classical learning. -revival of ancient Greek & Roman literature. -reawakening of human mind , culture. Origin in Italy, May 29,1453 -The Turkish Conquest of Constantinople - scholars, intellectuals, artists in Italy. -Italy centre of study of Greek literature & culture. Impact on society medieval beliefs & theories questioned. -Shift from theology-centered to human-life centered thinking. -Infinite possibilities of human mind faculties explored. -Zest for life & limitless thirst for knowledge increased. -Individualism medieval restrictions discarded. Eng. SI 1
Characteristics of Renaissance Love for classical literature: Florence-- centre of Classical learning Petrarch, Boccaccio, classical scholars studied Greek literature with great zest Latin classics rigorously studied & translated Patronage from the King & the Pope Intellectual curiosity: Forgotten & neglected classical manuscripts explored vigorously Passionate thirst for knowledge Art forms , literature, medicine, astronomy, geography etc. rigorously studied Individualism : Rational thinking promoted Individual liberty & freedom advocated Medieval thinking & lifestyle discarded Emergence of Renaissance Ideal Personality Eng. SI 2
Characteristics of Renaissance Humanism: Classical scholars- Humanists Human-centred approach to life Dignity of human beings upheld Exploration & vigorous expression of faculties of human mind, body & spirit Rational, & scientific outlook on life: Eng. SI 3
Characteristics of Renaissance Medieval lifestyle discarded: Scholars fascinated by ancient classical learning of Greece & Rome Breaking away from the intellectual, religious, geographical, physical , artistic restrictions of Middle Ages Free thinking was encouraged Freedom of expression was enjoyed Eng. SI 4
Impact of the Renaissance on English Literature Impact on English Drama: Mystery, Morality, & Miracle plays were replaced by Interlude & then regular drama Human life, rather than religion became source of drama Religious & theological themes were replaced by themes concerning human life The study of Classical plays resulted in widening of the scope of English drama Plautus, Terence & Italian plays major influence on English Comedy Seneca-- major influence on English Tragedy Eng. SI 5
Impact of the Renaissance on English Literature Important comedies Ralph Roister Doister , & Grammar Gurton sNeedle Important tragedy Gorboduc University Wits Marlowe, Lily, Greene, Peele, Nash, Lodge, Kyd were greatly influenced & inspired by the Classical Drama Marlowe a true child of the Renaissance Dramas are marked by spirit of Individualism Eng. SI 6
Impact of the Renaissance on English Literature Impact on English Poetry: More humanistic in nature Inspired & influenced by Italian Renaissance Sir Thomas Wyatt & the Earl of Surrey: -abandoned convention of long poems & started writing short poems -were influenced by Petrarch -humanistic poets - introduced Sonnet form & Blank Verse Eng. SI 7
Impact of the Renaissance on English Literature Sir Edmund Spencer: - the child of Renaissance - most influenced by Renaissance Humanism - Renaissance ideal personality -wrote vigorous poetry - known as the poets Poet -wrote The Faerie Queene The Renaissance influenced all forms of poetry: -- lyric, sonnet, epic, long narrative poetry etc. Eng. SI 8
Impact of the Renaissance on English Literature Impact on Prose: Thomas More, Francis Bacon & Erasmus influenced by the Renaissance More s Utopia a product of the Renaissance - revolt against all ideals of the Middle Ages Francis Bacon influenced by the opportunistic & utilitarian Machiavellian philosophy Eng. SI 9
