The Renaissance Movement v Historical Perspective Renaissance a

The Renaissance Movement v Historical Perspective Ø Renaissance- a French word- ‘rebirth’, ‘revival’, ‘reawakening’. -rebirth of classical learning. -revival of ancient Greek & Roman literature. -reawakening of human mind , culture. Ø Origin – in Italy, May 29, 1453 -The Turkish Conquest of Constantinople - scholars, intellectuals, artists in Italy. -Italy centre of study of Greek literature & culture. Ø 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

v. Characteristics of Renaissance v Love for classical literature: Ø Ø 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 v Ø Ø Ø Intellectual curiosity: Forgotten & neglected classical manuscripts explored vigorously Passionate thirst for knowledge Art forms , literature, medicine, astronomy, geography etc. rigorously studied v Ø Ø Individualism : Rational thinking promoted Individual liberty & freedom advocated Medieval thinking & lifestyle discarded Emergence of Renaissance Ideal Personality Eng. SI 2

Characteristics of Renaissance v. Humanism: Ø Classical scholars- Humanists Ø Human-centred approach to life Ø Dignity of human beings upheld Ø Exploration & vigorous expression of faculties of human mind, body & spirit Ø Rational, & scientific outlook on life: Eng. SI 3

Characteristics of Renaissance v. Medieval lifestyle discarded: Ø Scholars fascinated by ancient classical learning of Greece & Rome Ø Breaking away from the intellectual, religious, geographical, physical , artistic restrictions of Middle Ages Ø Free thinking was encouraged Ø Freedom of expression was enjoyed Eng. SI 4

v. Impact of the Renaissance on English Literature v Impact on English Drama: Ø Mystery, Morality, & Miracle plays were replaced by ‘Interlude’ & then regular drama Ø Human life, rather than religion became source of drama Ø Religious & theological themes were replaced by themes concerning human life Ø The study of Classical plays resulted in widening of the scope of English drama Ø Plautus, Terence & Italian plays – major influence on English Comedy Ø Seneca-- major influence on English Tragedy Eng. SI 5

Impact of the Renaissance on English Literature Ø Important comedies– ‘Ralph Roister Doister’, & ‘Grammar Gurton’s Needle’ Ø Important tragedy– ‘Gorboduc’ Ø University Wits – Marlowe, Lily, Greene, Peele, Nash, Lodge, Kyd were greatly influenced & inspired by the Classical Drama Ø Marlowe – a true child of the Renaissance Ø Dramas are marked by spirit of Individualism Eng. SI 6

Impact of the Renaissance on English Literature v. Impact on English Poetry: Ø More humanistic in nature Ø Inspired & influenced by Italian Renaissance Ø 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 Ø 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’ Ø The Renaissance influenced all forms of poetry: -- lyric, sonnet, epic, long narrative poetry etc. Eng. SI 8

Impact of the Renaissance on English Literature v Impact on Prose: Ø Thomas More, Francis Bacon & Erasmus– influenced by the Renaissance Ø More’s ‘Utopia’ – a product of the Renaissance - revolt against all ideals of the Middle Ages Ø Francis Bacon– influenced by the opportunistic & utilitarian Machiavellian philosophy Eng. SI 9