The English Renaissance PDF

The English Renaissance The Renaissance  Humanism During the 14th century, a cultural movement called humanism began to gain momentum in Italy. Among its many principles, humanism promoted the idea that man was the center of his own universe and that people should embrace human a...

The English Renaissance The Renaissance  Humanism During the 14th century, a cultural movement called humanism began to gain momentum in Italy. Among its many principles, humanism promoted the idea that man was the center of his own universe and that people should embrace human achievements in education, classical arts, literature, and science.  In 1450, the invention of the Gutenberg printing press allowed for improved communication throughout Europe and for ideas to spread more quickly. As a result of this advance in communication, little-known texts from early humanist authors such as those by Francesco Petrarch and Giovanni Boccaccio, which promoted the renewal of traditional Greek and Roman culture and values, were printed and distributed to the masses. The Renaissance started in Florence, Italy, a place with a rich cultural history where wealthy citizens could afford to support budding artists. Members of the powerful Medici family, which ruled Florence for more than 60 years, were famous patrons of the movement.  Leonardo da Vinci (1452–1519): Italian painter, architect, inventor and “Renaissance man” responsible for painting “The Mona Lisa” and “The Last Supper. Leonardo da Vinci: Mona Lisa© Everett-Art/Shutterstock.com Images Group/REX/Shutterstock.com Desiderius Erasmus (1466–1536): Scholar from Holland who defined the humanist movement in Northern Europe. Translator of the New Testament into Greek. Rene Descartes (1596–1650): French philosopher and mathematician regarded as the father of modern philosophy. Famous for stating, “I think; therefore I am.” Galileo (1564-1642): Italian astronomer, physicist, and engineer whose pioneering work with telescopes enabled him to describe the moons of Jupiter and rings of Saturn. Placed under house arrest for his views of a heliocentric universe. Nicolaus Copernicus (1473–1543): Mathematician and astronomer who made the first modern scientific argument for the concept of a heliocentric solar system. Thomas Hobbes (1588–1679): English philosopher and author of “Leviathan.” The English Renaissance The Emergence of the Renaissance in England: Key Factors 1. The Hundred Years' War (1337-1453) between England and France The Emergence of the Renaissance in England: Key Factors 2. Wars of the Roses 3. The English Reformation The English Reformation, initiated by King Henry VIII in the 16th century, marked a significant socio-political and religious upheaval. Henry's desire to annul his marriage to Catherine of Aragon and his break with the Roman Catholic Church led to the establishment of the Church of England and the dissolution of monasteries. 4. Printing and the Spread of Ideas The introduction of the printing press to England in the late 15th century facilitated the dissemination of ideas and information, including classical texts and works of literature. This made knowledge more accessible to a broader audience, further promoting intellectual development. 5. Trade and Commerce England's expansion of trade and commerce during the Renaissance era, including the growth of the woolen cloth industry, contributed to economic prosperity. As wealth increased, so did the opportunities for patronage of the arts and education, fostering a climate of cultural innovation. 6. Patronage by the Tudor Monarchs The Tudor monarchs, particularly Henry VII, Henry VIII, and Elizabeth I, were patrons of the arts and literature. They supported the development of English literature, education, and cultural achievements, providing opportunities for writers, scholars, and artists to flourish. 7. Humanism and the Influence of Italy The humanist movement, which emphasized the study of classical texts and a focus on individual potential, was a major intellectual force during the Renaissance. The ideas of Italian humanists like Petrarch, Dante, and Boccaccio, along with their works, were influential in England, fostering a renewed interest in classical learning and the humanities.  Giovanni Boccaccio Dante Alighieri Major Renaissance Writers Sir Thomas Wyatt Sir Thomas More Christopher Marlowe Ben Jonson William Shakespeare Edmund Spenser John Milton William Tyndale William Campion Nicholas Udall John Skelton Earl of Surrey Thomas Kyd John Webster https://www.luminarium.org/renlit/religious.htm Renaissance Poets Directions: Form 6 groups and read the poem assigned to your group. Answer the guide questions and write your response letter to the persona. Renaissance Poets Directions: Form 6 groups and read the poem assigned to your group. Answer the guide questions and write your response letter to the persona. Renaissance Poets Directions: Form 6 groups and read the poem assigned to your group. Answer the guide questions and write your response letter to the persona. NOTE: For a detailed discussion of the English Renaissance Period, visit https://www.luminarium.org/renlit/