The Renaissance 1485-1660

The Beginning Began in Florence, Italy in the 15th century. “Focal of intellectual trends” A “rebirth” of intellect & artistic energies of the Romans & Greeks “Rebirth”- refers to a rebirth in artistic & intellectual pursuits, as well as, a renewed interest in ancient Greek & Roman civilization.

Petrarch, Boccaccio, Brunelleschi, and Donatello are all famous writers, artists, and sculptures who works were quite popular during this time period. Petrarch (1304-1374) & Boccaccio (1313-1375) liked the idea of returning to the achievements of the classical age.

Petrarch Known as the “Father of Humanism” Humanism- reflects the emphasis on human abilities rather than divine abilities. Scholars were known as “humanists” since much of their work reflected the humanist ideals. Italian sonnets are often called “Petrarchan Sonnets.”

Renaissance in England Very SLOW!!!! Political problems associated with the War of Roses, (Yorks vs. Lancasters) superseded English interest in the Italian Renaissance. The printing press was slow in reaching England making it difficult for literary works to be published in mass quantities.

Henry VIII Father, Henry VII, defeated Richard III for the crown. (Tudor) Henry VIII befriended Sir Thomas More who became the leader of the English Humanists with his work Utopia, considered to be the 1st masterpiece of the English Renaissance Henry VIII hired two gifted poets Sir Thomas Wyatt and Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey Wrote poems based on the Italian models.

Sir Thomas More Sir Thomas More (1478-1535) Wrote Utopia (1516), considered to be first masterpiece of English Renaissance Utopia examines basic principles on which good society must be based.

Protestant Reformation People were angry about the corruption & abuses of authority in the Catholic Church. Martin Luther nailed “95 Theses” to the church door in Wittenburg. Sale of indulgences, etc.

Henry VIII vs. Pope Henry VIII’s wife, Catherine of Aragon, had not produced a male heir to the throne Henry VIII wanted a divorce, but the Pope refused to grant it. In retaliation, Henry VIII declared himself Supreme Head of the Church in England (Anglican Church). Later, he would order the killing of his new friend, Sir Thomas More, when More refused to swear oaths of allegiance to Henry VIII’s new church. Thomas More would become a martyr and a saint under the Catholic Church

The Rivalry Ends For centuries, Spain and England had a rivalry in every sense of the word. From epic battles to artistic interpretations, Spain and England constantly were at war. This ended when the famous Spanish Armada was defeated by the much smaller English fleet. England had much smaller vessels, but they were much faster. Mother nature also played a role in the defeat when a storm came in and the smaller English vessels could go for cover, while the larger Spanish vessels were destroyed.

English Literature Drama was the greatest achievement of English literature. Plays were originally written for private performances at noblemen’s feasts, later would be performed for all. Stages were simple, make-up and clothing were nothing fancy, much of the character came from the actors themselves. Remember, back in these days, only men acted. (Even women’s roles)

Types of Drama Religious: * Non-Religious: - Interlude (15th Century) Miracle Mystery Morality * Non-Religious: - Interlude (15th Century)

William Shakespeare Shakespeare’s style “grew from a fusion of native English & classical traditions.” Typical of Elizabethan Renaissance Wrote 154 sonnets, mostly during the time of the plague since the Globe Theatre was shut down His style of sonnets is more commonly known today as “Shakespearean.”

Dramatic Traditions English Renaissance dramas fused classical drama & native religious dramas.

Past vs. Present English plays of the Renaissance differ from those of today by… Stage sets Sound effects Lighting No female actors

English Dramatists William Shakespeare Christopher Marlowe Ben Jonson All three wrote in verse and had very elaborate patterns & complicated ornamentation

Key Terms Protectorate: 1653-58 when Oliver Cromwell controlled England Restoration: Period after Cromwell’s death when Charles II restored the English Monarchy Great Chain of Being: A philosophy that ranks everything as higher or lower, depending on attributes of spirit & matter. (Inanimate things were at the bottom)

Doctrine of Correspondences Everything was put in a group based on the Great Chain of Being. Ex. Gold Gold is the most valuable of minerals, was analogous to the oak (greatest of trees) or to the sun (first among stars).

English Poetry Two main styles: Classical or Conservative Metaphysical Ben Jonson Metaphysical * John Donne