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British Literature I
Table of Contents
Unit 6 Overview: English Renaissance & Shakespeare's Era
6.1 Historical and Cultural Context of the English Renaissance
6.2 Humanism and Its Impact on Literature
6.3 Development of Early Modern English
6.4 Major Literary Figures of the English Renaissance

Renaissance Humanism revolutionized European thought, emphasizing human potential and classical learning. It rejected medieval scholasticism, valuing individual expression and critical thinking while promoting education for personal growth.

This movement profoundly impacted English literature, introducing new forms like sonnets and blank verse. It influenced major authors, improved prose style, and explored human nature in characters, shaping the literary landscape of the Renaissance.

Renaissance Humanism and Literature

Key principles of humanism

  • Intellectual and cultural movement originated in 14th century Italy spread throughout Europe in 15th and 16th centuries
  • Emphasized human potential and achievements rejecting medieval scholasticism
  • Promoted classical learning and languages (Latin, Greek)
  • Valued human dignity and individual expression encouraging critical thinking
  • Advocated education and self-improvement for personal growth
  • Adopted secular approach to learning and culture challenging traditional authorities

Classical influences on Renaissance humanism

  • Revived interest in ancient Greek and Roman texts recovering lost works (Cicero's letters)
  • Studied classical languages enhancing understanding of original sources
  • Incorporated Platonic, Aristotelian, Stoic, and Epicurean philosophies into humanist thought
  • Emulated classical literary styles in poetry (sonnets, odes) and prose (essays, dialogues)
  • Integrated classical mythology and allusions enriching literary works (Ovid's Metamorphoses)
  • Adopted rhetorical techniques enhancing persuasive writing and oratory

Impact on English Literature and Society

Humanism's impact on English literature

  • Introduced new literary forms like sonnet sequences and blank verse in drama
  • Emphasized eloquence and rhetorical skill in writing improving prose style
  • Explored human nature and individual psychology in characters (Shakespeare's Hamlet)
  • Influenced major authors (Sir Thomas More, Sir Philip Sidney, Edmund Spenser)
  • Developed more concise and elegant English prose using classical devices
  • Established literary criticism as a discipline analyzing texts systematically

Education and vernacular in humanist spread

  • Reformed educational systems establishing grammar schools and universities
  • Focused curriculum on studia humanitatis covering grammar, rhetoric, poetry, history, moral philosophy
  • Increased literacy rates among general population expanding readership
  • Promoted vernacular languages in literature and scholarship (Chaucer's Canterbury Tales)
  • Translated classical texts into vernacular languages increasing accessibility
  • Utilized printing press to disseminate ideas widely through books and pamphlets
  • Fostered "Renaissance man" ideal encouraging well-rounded education (Leonardo da Vinci)
  • Supported humanist scholars and artists through patronage system (Medici family)

Key Terms to Review (28)

Medici Family: The Medici family was a powerful and influential Florentine dynasty that rose to prominence in the 15th century, known for their patronage of the arts and humanism during the Renaissance. They played a crucial role in fostering the cultural and intellectual revival that characterized this period, significantly impacting literature, art, and philosophy.
Renaissance man: A renaissance man is an individual who is well-educated, cultured, and proficient in multiple fields of knowledge and expertise. This term reflects the ideals of the Renaissance period, emphasizing human potential and the belief that people could achieve greatness across various disciplines, such as arts, sciences, and humanities, significantly influencing literature and culture.
Chaucer's Canterbury Tales: Chaucer's Canterbury Tales is a collection of stories written by Geoffrey Chaucer in the late 14th century, framed within a narrative of a pilgrimage to the shrine of Thomas Becket in Canterbury. This work is significant for its vivid portrayal of a diverse range of characters from different social classes, reflecting the changing dynamics of medieval society and foreshadowing elements of humanism that would emerge in the Renaissance.
Universities: Universities are institutions of higher learning that provide education and research opportunities in various fields of study. They emerged during the Middle Ages in Europe and became centers for the dissemination of knowledge, especially during the rise of humanism, which emphasized the value of classical education and critical thinking.
Studia humanitatis: Studia humanitatis refers to the study of the humanities that emerged during the Renaissance, focusing on classical literature, philosophy, history, and ethics. This educational framework emphasized the value of human potential and achievement, shaping how individuals engaged with literature and culture.
Sir Philip Sidney: Sir Philip Sidney was an English poet, courtier, and soldier of the Renaissance period, renowned for his contributions to literature and his embodiment of the ideal Renaissance man. His works reflect the humanist ideals of the time, emphasizing individual experience and emotion while incorporating classical themes. Sidney's influence on English poetry and literature was significant, paving the way for later writers in the English Renaissance.
Edmund Spenser: Edmund Spenser was a prominent English poet of the late 16th century, best known for his epic poem 'The Faerie Queene,' which reflects the ideals of the English Renaissance and humanist thought. His works exemplify the transition from medieval literary forms to those that embraced classical influences, significantly impacting the development of English literature during this period.
Literary criticism: Literary criticism is the evaluation, analysis, and interpretation of literary works, exploring their themes, structure, and cultural significance. It involves applying various theoretical frameworks to better understand a text's meaning and context, impacting how literature is produced and consumed. This critical examination can reveal underlying ideologies and contribute to broader discussions in society.
Rhetorical skill: Rhetorical skill refers to the ability to effectively use language and various persuasive techniques to convey messages, evoke emotions, and influence audiences. This skill encompasses a range of strategies, such as the use of ethos, pathos, logos, and stylistic elements that enhance a writer's or speaker's ability to engage and persuade their audience. Understanding these techniques is crucial for analyzing literature and rhetoric throughout history.
Leonardo da Vinci: Leonardo da Vinci was an Italian polymath of the Renaissance, known for his extraordinary contributions to art, science, engineering, and anatomy. His work embodies the spirit of Humanism, which emphasizes the potential and achievements of human beings, reflecting a shift from medieval to modern thought and inspiring countless literary and artistic works.
Sonnet Sequences: Sonnet sequences are collections of sonnets that are thematically linked and often explore a continuous narrative or a central theme, such as love, time, beauty, or mortality. These sequences emerged prominently during the Renaissance and were influenced by the humanist movement, reflecting personal emotions and experiences while also engaging with broader philosophical ideas.
Sir Thomas More: Sir Thomas More was an English statesman, lawyer, and author, best known for his book 'Utopia,' which presents an idealized society and critiques contemporary political and social issues. His work reflects the ideals of humanism, emphasizing reason, education, and the potential for human improvement.
Eloquence: Eloquence refers to the ability to express ideas and emotions clearly, persuasively, and beautifully in spoken or written language. This skill is vital in literature, where it allows authors to convey complex themes and engage readers through powerful imagery and emotional resonance, particularly seen during periods of Humanism, where the focus shifted towards human potential and expression.
Blank verse: Blank verse is a type of poetry that is written in unrhymed iambic pentameter. It became a popular form during the English Renaissance, allowing poets and playwrights to achieve a natural flow of speech while maintaining a rhythmic structure, which was essential for expressing complex ideas and emotions.
Ovid's Metamorphoses: Ovid's Metamorphoses is a narrative poem composed in the early 1st century AD that chronicles the transformation of various characters through mythology, featuring themes of change, love, and loss. This work serves as a critical reflection of human experiences and emotions, connecting deeply to the ideals of Humanism by emphasizing individual agency and the human condition, making it influential in shaping Renaissance literature.
Platonic philosophy: Platonic philosophy is a system of thought developed by the ancient Greek philosopher Plato, emphasizing the existence of abstract Forms or Ideas that represent the true essence of all things. This philosophy posits that the physical world is merely a shadow of a higher reality, leading to ideas about idealism, knowledge, and the nature of existence. It greatly influenced humanist thinkers during the Renaissance, who sought to reconcile classical philosophy with emerging human-centered perspectives.
Secular approach: A secular approach refers to a worldview or method of analysis that is not based on religious beliefs or doctrines. It emphasizes reason, human experience, and empirical evidence as the foundation for understanding the world and human existence. This perspective became increasingly prominent during the Renaissance, influencing literature by shifting focus from religious themes to human experiences, individualism, and the exploration of secular subjects.
Aristotelian Philosophy: Aristotelian philosophy is a comprehensive framework of thought developed by the ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle, focusing on ethics, metaphysics, politics, and natural sciences. This philosophy emphasizes empirical observation, logical reasoning, and the importance of human experience in understanding the world, significantly influencing the development of humanism during the Renaissance. The integration of Aristotelian principles into literature and art reflects a shift towards valuing human potential and individualism, which played a crucial role in shaping literary themes and character development.
Cicero's Letters: Cicero's Letters refer to the correspondence written by the Roman statesman and philosopher Marcus Tullius Cicero during the late Roman Republic. These letters provide valuable insight into the political, social, and philosophical climate of the time, illustrating the development of humanist thought that emerged during the Renaissance, emphasizing the importance of individual experience and expression.
Critical Thinking: Critical thinking is the ability to analyze, evaluate, and synthesize information and arguments in a logical and reasoned way. It involves questioning assumptions, identifying biases, and assessing the validity of information, which allows individuals to make informed decisions and understand complex ideas, especially in the context of literary analysis.
Epicurean Philosophy: Epicurean philosophy is a system of thought founded by the ancient Greek philosopher Epicurus, emphasizing the pursuit of happiness through the cultivation of pleasure and the avoidance of pain. Central to this philosophy is the belief that true pleasure comes from simple, moderate living and the importance of friendship, intellectual pursuits, and the appreciation of life's small joys. This philosophy influenced later humanist thinkers who valued individual experience and well-being.
Stoic Philosophy: Stoic philosophy is a school of thought that originated in ancient Greece and emphasizes the development of self-control, rationality, and virtue as a means to achieve personal happiness and tranquility. It teaches that external events are beyond our control, but we can control our responses to them, promoting resilience in the face of adversity.
Renaissance Humanism: Renaissance Humanism is an intellectual movement that emerged during the Renaissance, emphasizing the study of classical texts and the value of human potential and achievements. This movement sought to revive ancient Greek and Roman literature, philosophy, and art, fostering a belief in the importance of individualism and reason. It had a significant impact on various forms of artistic and literary expression, encouraging a focus on human experiences, emotions, and the natural world.
Classical learning: Classical learning refers to an educational approach that emphasizes the study of ancient Greek and Roman texts, focusing on literature, philosophy, history, and the arts. This form of learning places a strong value on critical thinking, rhetoric, and the humanities, influencing the development of Western thought and education. It serves as a foundation for humanism, promoting the idea that individuals can shape their own lives through education and personal development.
Individual expression: Individual expression refers to the unique way in which a person conveys their thoughts, emotions, and identity through various forms of art, literature, and communication. This concept emphasizes the importance of personal voice and creativity, allowing individuals to share their experiences and perspectives in a distinct manner. In literature, individual expression is pivotal as it fosters authenticity, enabling writers to connect deeply with their audience by presenting their true selves and insights.
Human potential: Human potential refers to the inherent ability and capacity of individuals to grow, develop, and achieve their fullest abilities in various aspects of life. This concept is central to humanism, which emphasizes the value of human beings and their capacity for self-realization, creativity, and moral decision-making, ultimately influencing literature and culture by celebrating individual achievement and exploration.
Human Dignity: Human dignity refers to the intrinsic value and worth of every individual, emphasizing that each person deserves respect and ethical consideration simply by being human. This concept is foundational in humanism, which champions the potential and agency of individuals, leading to a focus on personal experience and moral responsibility in literature.
Grammar schools: Grammar schools were educational institutions in England that emerged during the late medieval period and flourished during the Renaissance. These schools provided classical education focusing on Latin, Greek, and rhetoric, which prepared students for university studies and careers in law, medicine, or the church. The establishment of grammar schools was a significant development in the context of educational reform and humanist thought during this period.