New Ideas and Literature Chapter 7 Section 2 Pages 395-400
I. Renaissance Humanism Humanism: new understanding of world Based on values of ancient Greeks/Romans Focused on individual/human achievements Tried to balance faith and reason
A. Ancient Works Become Popular Artists studied sculptures, paintings, architecture to understand proportions (learn why they looked perfect)
B. How Did Humanism Affect Society? Humanists = very curious: studied plants, animals, anatomy, medicine, stars, etc Math: new engineering: dome of Florence Cathedral New weapons based on gun powder brought by Arabs
1. Leonardo da Vinci: famous artist/scientist Studied anatomy, fossils Invented glider, helicopter, tank, scuba gear, parachute Humanists created better maps (cartography): allowed them better trade, better exploration
II. Changes in Literature Educated people wrote in Latin during Renaissance Used vernacular to write poems, etc…(more people could read vernacular)
A. The Printing Press Spreads Ideas Johannes Gutenberg developed movable metal type printing press Made it easier/cheaper to make books Ideas spread, more people learned to read Lead to debates on scholarly topics 1st book published: Gutenberg Bible 40,000 books published by 1500’s
B. Who Was William Shakespeare? England Renaissance focused more on writing/theater William Shakespeare born Popular actor, poet , play writer He wrote tragedies, comedies, historical plays (35 total) His works most famous: among 1st non-religious works to be published