Literary Movements PDF

The Renaissance Overview of the Renaissance: The Renaissance, meaning "rebirth," was a pivotal cultural movement that began in Italy during the 14th century and spread across Europe, lasting until the 17th century. It marked a significant transition from the medieval to the modern world, characteriz...

The Renaissance Overview of the Renaissance: The Renaissance, meaning "rebirth," was a pivotal cultural movement that began in Italy during the 14th century and spread across Europe, lasting until the 17th century. It marked a significant transition from the medieval to the modern world, characterized by a revival of classical learning and values from ancient Greece and Rome. The period was marked by an increase in wealth (construction of grand palaces) + The wealthy upper class readily adopted new ideas. Humanism: This philosophical stance celebrated human potential and achievements. Rooted in the study of classical works (grammar, rhetoric, poetry, philosophy, history) = promoted the value and agency of individuals.+ Imitating the style of Greek and Roman authors. The Italian City-States: During the Renaissance, Italy was characterized by a collection of independent city-states, each functioning autonomously and often competing with one another. This political landscape played a crucial role in fostering the cultural and intellectual advancements that defined the period. Florence Milan Venice The Italian city-states served as epicenters for artistic innovation, scientific inquiry, and humanist philosophy during the Renaissance. Their wealth facilitated patronage of artists and thinkers, leading to advancements that shaped Western civilization profoundly. Influential Figures: Niccolò Machiavelli: A political philosopher best known for his work The Prince, Machiavelli explored the nature of power and statecraft, arguing that rulers must be pragmatic and sometimes unscrupulous (no moral principles) to maintain authority. His ideas laid the groundwork for modern political science. Francesco Petrarc: Often called the "father of humanism," Petrarch's poetry, particularly his Canzoniere, emphasized individual emotion and the beauty of nature. He revived interest in classical literature and set the stage for Renaissance humanism. Dante Alighieri: Dante's Divine Comedy is considered one of the greatest works of world literature, blending personal experience with philosophical and theological themes. His use of the Italian vernacular influenced future generations of writers. Geoffrey Chaucer: Used the English vernacular (The Canterbury Tales). Christine De Pizan: (French woman) her written works championed women.  The Enlightenment Overview of the Renaissance: The Enlightenment, also known as the Age of Reason, was a philosophical movement that dominated Europe during the 17th and 18th centuries, emphasizing reason as the primary source of authority and legitimacy. Radical vs. Moderate Enlightenment: There were two main strands of thought: - Radical Enlightenment: Advocated for democracy, individual liberty, freedom of expression, and the eradication of religious authority. - Moderate Enlightenment: Sought to reconcile reform with traditional systems of power and faith. Enlightenment thinkers sought to examine human life in light of reason. They wanted to apply the approach of the Scientific Revolution, which used observation and reason to discover laws that applied to the physical world, to the human world. They questioned accepted ideas about government. Some criticized the long-held belief in the divine right of kings to rule. Many Enlightenment thinkers stressed individual rights in government. The Enlightenment drew on the Renaissance and the Reformation. During the Renaissance, humanists questioned accepted beliefs and emphasized the importance of the individual. During the Reformation, Protestants rebelled against the Catholic Church, furthering the questioning of authority. Women played a role in supporting and promoting the ideas of the Enlightenment. Some women supported the ideas by participating in salons and other intellectual gatherings, while others promoted the ideas by writing about rights and equality for women. (Mary Wollstonecraft ) Legacy: Enlightenment ideas laid the groundwork for modern democratic governance and human rights, influencing major historical events such as the American Revolution and the French Revolution. The ideas of the Enlightenment are reflected in documents like the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. Influential Figures: Thomas Hobbes: He believed that humans are naturally selfish and greedy and that people are driven by a desire for power. He argued that absolute rule by kings was the best form of government because it created a ruler with absolute authority to maintain order.  The Romanticism Overview of the Romanticism: Romanticism was a significant artistic, literary, and intellectual movement that emerged in the late 18th century and flourished throughout the 19th century. It arose as a reaction against the Enlightenment's emphasis on reason and the industrialization of society (neoclassicism). Books + paintings + essays. Emphasis on Emotion and Imagination: Romanticism prioritized personal feelings, emotions, and imagination over rational thought and logic. This focus aimed to evoke deep emotional responses from audiences, celebrating individual experience and expression. Glorification of Nature: Nature was seen as a source of inspiration, beauty, and spiritual renewal. Romantic artists and writers often depicted nature's sublime power, contrasting it with the mechanization of industrial society. Supernatural and Gothic Elements: Many Romantic works included mystical, supernatural, or gothic elements, reflecting a fascination with the unknown and the irrational aspects of human experience Early Romantics laid the groundwork for emotional expression in art. Late Romantics: more intense. Influential Figures: William Wordsworth: Known for his poetry that celebrated nature and personal emotion, Wordsworth's Lyrical Ballads (co-authored with Samuel Taylor Coleridge) is often considered foundational to English Romantic literature. Samuel Taylor Coleridge: A poet whose works explored imagination and the supernatural; his poem "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" exemplifies Romantic themes. Lord Byron: A leading figure known for his passionate poetry and charismatic persona; his works often explored themes of heroism and rebellion. John Keats: Celebrated for his rich imagery and exploration of beauty, Keats' poetry reflects deep emotional engagement with life and nature. Mary Shelley: Author of Frankenstein, Shelley combined gothic elements with profound questions about humanity, creation, and ethics, making her a pivotal figure in Romantic literature. Romanticism: I wandered Lonely as a Cloud William Wordsworth: was a prominent English poet born in Cumberland England. He launched the Romantic movement in English literature with Samuel Tylor Coleridge. His early life was marked by tragedy; he lost his mother at 8 + his father shortly after, which left him and his siblings orphaned. Wordsworth and Coleridge helped define the “Lake Poets”, a group of Romantic writers associated with England = using simple language to convey the beauty and power of nature (vivid imagery). The poem explores the Romantic period in English literature: - The speaker’s loneliness: The poem begins with the speaker feeling “lonely as a cloud” = Feeling of isolation and introspection. - Encounter with Nature: The speaker's sudden encounter with nature (daffodils - flower symbolizes rebirth and new beginnings-) transforms his mood = The transformative power of nature. - Emotional Response: The sight of the daffodils evokes joy and a sense of comfort. - Memory and Imagination: Later, when the speaker is feeling “vacant -empty-” or “pensive -deep thoughts”; they recall the daffodils and their hearts fill with “pleasure”. = The ability of memory and imagination to bring solace. - Literary Devices: Simile: The poem's very first line, "I wandered lonely as a cloud," uses a simile to compare the speaker's loneliness to a cloud.1 Personification: Wordsworth uses personification to give human qualities to the daffodils. For instance, he says they are "dancing in the breeze" and "tossing their heads in sprightly dance."1 This literary device helps to bring the daffodils to life and create a more vivid image in the reader's mind. Hyperbole: The speaker uses a hyperbole when he claims to have seen "ten thousand" daffodils "at a glance".1 This exaggeration emphasizes the vastness and beauty of the scene. Imagery: Wordsworth's poem is rich in imagery, which appeals to the reader's senses of sight, sound, and motion. For example, he describes the daffodils as "golden" and "fluttering and dancing," and he talks about the "sparkling waves" and the "breeze."1 These images help the reader to visualize the scene and to feel the speaker's emotions.  The Victorian Age Overview of the Victorian Age: The Victorian Age, spanning from 1837 to 1901 during Queen Victoria's reign, was a prolific period in English literature characterized by significant social, political, and technological changes. This era produced a wealth of literary works that reflected the complexities of contemporary life. Realism: Victorian literature often embraced realism, focusing on everyday life and social issues. Authors depicted the struggles of ordinary people, addressing themes such as poverty, class disparity, and moral dilemmas. This focus on realistic portrayals allowed writers to engage critically with societal problems. Moral Purpose: Many Victorian writers believed in the moral responsibility of literature. Their works frequently contained didactic elements aimed at instructing readers on ethical behavior and social reform. This moral imperative was evident in novels that emphasized hard work, perseverance, and the triumph of good over evil, culture of respectability and innocence (women), homosexuality (illegal). Despite the outward appearance of of moral resistance, there was a prevalence of social ills (prostitution, child labour). The Suppression of Emotions: was a characteristic of the Victorian era. People rarely expressed feelings in public or writings (The Pearl, a magazine that promoted emotional restraint). The Impact of the Industrial Revolution on Victorian Society: Technological revolutions led to increased urbanization, changing work patterns, and widening the gap between the rich and the poor. Many Victorian authors used their works to critique the social conditions resulting from industrialization. The Middle Class and Self-Help Books in the Victorian Era: The rise of the middle class played a crucial role in the emergence of self-help literature and stressing hard work. The Rise of Modernism: It challenged traditional forms and themes, reflecting the anxieties and uncertainties of a rapidly changing world. Thèmes: isolation, fragmentation; the search of meaning in a world devoid of absolute truths. Influential Figures: Oscar Wilde: Known for his wit and satirical commentary on society, Wilde’s works like The Picture of Dorian Gray challenged Victorian norms regarding morality and aesthetics. Charles Dickens: Renowned for his vivid characters and social commentary, Dickens's works like Oliver Twist and A Christmas Carol addressed issues such as poverty and child labor while providing moral lessons. The Victorian Era: East London Matthew Arnold (1822 –1 888): was a prominent English poet, cultural critic, and educational reformer during the Victorian era. Born in Laleham, Middlesex, he was the son of Thomas Arnold, a well-known headmaster at Rugby School, which influenced Arnold's educational outlook and literary career. His approach to criticism emphasized the importance of cultural literacy and moral responsibility in literature. Analysis of "East London" in Relation to Victorian Era Literature: Summary: The poem opens with the speaker describing a hot August day in East London. He observes a dispirited weaver (a person who weaves fabric) through a window, symbolizing the exhaustion and despair of the working class. The speaker then meets a preacher who, despite the grim surroundings, expresses optimism rooted in his faith in Christ. The preacher's cheerful demeanor contrasts sharply with the weaver's despondency (low courage), illustrating different approaches to coping with life's difficulties. The concluding stanzas emphasize the importance of faith as a source of hope and comfort. - Faith vs. Despair: A central theme of "East London" is the dichotomy between faith and despair. The weaver symbolizes the weary and disillusioned working class, while the preacher embodies hope and resilience through his faith. Arnold suggests that faith can provide a guiding light amidst life's challenges. - Social Critique: The poem serves as a critique of the industrial society that produces such despair among its workers. Arnold highlights the toll of overwork and poverty on individuals, reflecting his concern for social justice during a time of rapid change. - The Human Spirit: Arnold explores the strength of the human spirit in confronting adversity. The preacher's ability to maintain a positive outlook despite external circumstances illustrates the potential for inner strength and resilience. - Religious Undertones: While Arnold expresses skepticism about organized religion in some of his works, "East London" presents faith as an essential aspect of human experience. The preacher's reliance on Christ represents a broader search for meaning in an increasingly secular world. Sensory Imagery: Arnold employs vivid sensory imagery to convey the physical and emotional landscape of East London. Moral Responsibility: Arnold’s call for social awareness resonates with the moral imperatives found in much Victorian literature. The poem suggests that society must recognize and address the struggles faced by its most vulnerable members, echoing Dickens's advocacy for social reform and compassion towards the poor.