The English Renaissance 1485-1660

Wars of the Roses Fought between the House of Lancaster (Red Rose) and the House of York (White Rose) Ended when Henry VII defeated Richard III in 1485 Henry established the Tudor line: Henry VIII, Edward VI, Mary I, and Elizabeth I

The Renaissance Began in Italy in the 14th Century Spread by the printing press (by 1530, over half of England’s population could read) Means “rebirth” in French Transition between the Middle Ages and the Modern World Renewed interest in Science, Art, and Classical Civilizations (Greece and Rome)

Humanism A movement from Religion and Belief to Science and Skepticism The Individual emphasized instead of Higher Authorities Artists of all kinds and Philosophers were held in high esteem

The Protestant Reformation Began in the early 1500s Was a protest against the Roman Catholic Church for perceived abuses (Chaucer—The Canterbury Tales) Officially began in 1517 when Martin Luther published his Ninety-Five Theses

The Anglican Church (Church of England) Began in 1530 when Henry VIII broke with the Roman Catholic Church Henry had wanted his marriage with Catherine of Aragon annulled (similar to divorce—invalid vs. valid union) because she had not borne him a son The Pope refused and many deaths resulted due to religious differences

Elizabeth I Ruled from 1558-1603 (daughter of Henry VIII and his second wife, Anne Boleyn) A lover of classical and modern languages, music, dance, and the theater Under her watch, England became a great sea power capable of defeating the feared Spanish Armada in 1588 (sent after Elizabeth killed her cousin, Mary Stuart)

James I Ruled from 1603-1625 (beginning of Stuart line) Elizabeth had been worldly and practical; however, James was theological and disputatious (supported the Church of England, which angered both the Catholics and Protestants—a Catholic group led by Guy Fawkes attempted to kill James and blow up Parliament in 1605) Well known for commissioning the translation of the Bible into English (King James Bible) and for his patronage of the theater (Macbeth was first performed before the king in 1605)

William Shakespeare William Shakespeare (1564-1616) was a prolific poet and playwright although little is known of his personal life Shakespeare is said to be the world’s favorite author. That might be disputable, but the fact remains that no other playwright’s works have been produced so often and read so widely in so many different countries.

William Shakespeare—Continued Shakespeare probably had a limited formal education beyond what he received at the local grammar school in Stratford- upon-Avon (Latin) Shakespeare borrowed widely from various historical sources as well as earlier plays Shakespeare deeply understood human nature. He understood why people behave the way they do which, in turn, allowed him to draw such vivid characters (e.g. Prince Hamlet, Macbeth, Othello)

Elizabethan & Jacobean Theater Most acting companies were supported by wealthy patrons Shakespeare was a part owner of the Lord Chamberlain’s Men which later became the King’s Men. In 1599, they built the Globe Theatre which was the most famous of the Elizabethan theatres.

Theater—Continued The Globe was built roughly in the shape of an O The stage thrust out into the audience (people surrounded the stage on three sides) and was open to the elements (plays were performed only during the day, and there were few special effects) Patrons would either stand for the entire performance or pay more for a seat