1. 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.
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2. 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
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3. 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:
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4. 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
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5. 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
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6. Impact of the Renaissance on English Literature
Important comedies– ‘Ralph Roister Doister’, & ‘Grammar Gurton’s Needle’
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
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7. 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
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8. 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.
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9. 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
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