chapter 2-3-The English Renaissance.pptVIP

The English Renaissance It began in the 14th century in Italy. It was only near the end of the 15th century that Italian influence came to be important in England, and it was not until the accession of Henry VIII to the throne in 1509 that a notable Renaissance took place. Renaissance means “rebirth” (of learning). The revival of learning led scholars back to the culture of Greece and Rome. It was a great cultural movement that swept the whole of Europe. The significance of Renaissance 1.It signified the beginning of the disruption of feudal system; 2.It became a movement against feudalism and hierarchy; 3.It paved the way for the Bourgeois Revolution; 4.It led to the outbreak of the Puritan Revolution in England. 5.Humanism began to develop in Britain. Main Traits of the Renaissance Literature 1. It emphasizes the dignity of man, affirms and eulogizes the value of man. 2. It advocates the full expression of individualism and the fulfillment of one’s ability, against the despotic rule of feudalism. 3. It affirms the delight of earthly achievement, as well as man’s desire for happiness and pleasure. Humanism Humanism was a literary and philosophic system of thought which attempted to place the affairs of mankind at the centre of its concerns. Humanism took the life of man in the present as a major interest and attempted to lay the foundations for a life of justice, nobility and goodness on earth. It was an attitude taking the exploration of human potential for a full and rewarding life. Literary Genres in the English Renaissance The first period was one of imitation and assimilation. Poetry and poetic drama were the most outstanding literary forms carried on especially by Shakespeare and Ben Jonson. The real mainstream of the English Renaissance is the Elizabethan drama. The essay was another main literary form in the English Renaissance. Elizabethan Drama Beginning of modern Drama Everyman at the end of the 15th century The influence came from the classics—