Renaissance Writers

Renaissance Writers Change Literature Literature reflected the time Purpose: self expression, or to portray distinct individuality of subjects Began trends that modern writers follow Wrote in the vernacular

Vernacular Many Renaissance writers wrote in their native language (vernacular), instead of Latin

Francesco Petrarch Father of Humanism Great poet Wrote in both Italian and Latin

Giovanni Boccaccio Wrote about the plague sweeping through Florence, Italy in his book Decameron. Used tragic and comedic views Used humor to illustrate the human condition

Niccolo Machiavelli The Prince 1513 Political guide on how to gain power and keep it. Rulers must be strong, shrewd, crafty, feared and loved to succeed More important to be politically effective, than morally right.

Vittoria Colonna Her poems express personal emotions Exchanged sonnets with Michelangelo Helped Castiglione get published

Assignment Turn to pages 42 & 43 Read the excerpts from each author

Questions Which author has the best writing? Which author grabs your attention? Which author writes for the best purpose? What influence did these writers have over the Renaissance?