1. The Renaissance
Virardi Letizia-4A

2. EVENTS
1485 the Wars of the Roses come to an end; 1474 William Caxton prints his first English text  Birth of Modern English as a language; 1492 Columbus discovers America; Globe circumnavigation. Copernicus denies the central position of Earth within the universe. Discoveries of science and exploration the world has suddenly changed and expanded.

3. Old order of ideas weakened, individuals and society moving away from their medieval beliefs; Transition from religious world to a secular world view; Society based on trade and commerce; Rediscovery of classical world of Greece and Rome.

4. POLITIC SITUATION
Consolidation of the Tudor dynasty with the reign of Elizabeth I. She was the powerful monarch who provided political stability. She had to undertake the masculine responsibilities in a society where the role of woman was limited. She avoid civil wars between Catholics, Protestants and Puritans. She had to face serious economic problems. (increase in population, price inflation) Great increase in trade and exploration.

5. RELIGION
1533: Henry VIII ask the Pope to divorce with his wife, after the opposition of the Pope he declares himself as Head of both Church and State.
His wife, “Bloody Mary”, brought Catholicism back to England (hundreds of people burned as heretics).
Elizabeth I makes sure that the Church of England remains a Protestant Church (new religious faith and moral attitude).

6. LITERATURE
Was inspired by Italian poets and scholars. Not a religious perspective on life favored individual expression Central Theme: clash between individual and social order. Focus on the man and his weaknesses, flaws and qualities. It can be divided into: DRAMA and POETRY.

7. DRAMA
It started with a group of playwrights the “university wits”. Shakespeare ( ): immense variety and depth without precedents.
He drew from all kinds of sources, deep knowledge of the human heart, portrait of life without imposing a personal prospective.

8. POETRY More personal and private than Drama
Reached unprecedented peaks of lyricism and beauty in the sonnet.
Metaphysical poets: John Donne and George Herbert
Innovative poets who talked of religion and love in a language not violent but direct and intellectually complex.
Use of paradoxes and metaphors.
Examine the relationship between the individual, God and the universe.
Borrow images from contemporary scientific discoveries and theories.