Renaissance & its impact on English Literature

Summary

This video explores the Renaissance, a period of cultural revival from the 14th to 16th centuries, focusing on its origins in Florence, Italy, and its impact on English literature. It discusses the revival of classical learning, the rise of humanism, and the influence on drama, prose, and poetry, highlighting key figures like Shakespeare and Edmund Spencer.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Renaissance, derived from the French word for 'rebirth,' refers to a period of revival in art, literature, and learning that occurred between the 14th and 16th centuries.
• 🌟 The Renaissance began in Florence, Italy, and was influenced by the influx of Greek and Latin scholars following the fall of Constantinople.
• 📚 Humanism played a significant role in the Renaissance, emphasizing the study of classical literature and the value of human potential.
• 🏛 The movement marked a transition from the medieval period to the modern era, symbolizing an awakening from the 'darkness' of the Middle Ages to the 'light' of the new age.
• 🎭 English literature during the Renaissance is divided into four periods: the period of preparation, the Elizabethan period, the Jacobean period, and the Caroline period.
• 📖 The Renaissance had a profound impact on English literature, with a notable emphasis on humanism and the exploration of individualism.
• 🎓 The establishment of educational institutions like St. Paul's School by John Colet reflected the Renaissance's influence on education.
• 📝 Thomas More's 'Utopia' is considered a precursor to the English Renaissance, showcasing the spirit of the time.
• 🎭 Drama was significantly impacted by the Renaissance, with playwrights like Shakespeare and his contemporaries reflecting the period's themes and values.
• 📜 The Renaissance also influenced prose writers, with figures like Sir Francis Bacon and Erasmus embodying the period's emphasis on practicality and worldly values.
• 📝 Poetry was revitalized during the Renaissance, with the introduction of new forms like the sonnet and blank verse, and poets like Edmund Spenser and John Milton reflecting the period's ideals.

Q & A

What does the term 'Renaissance' mean and what is its significance?

The term 'Renaissance' is a French word that means rebirth, revival, or re-awakening. It refers to the revival of learning and ancient Greek literature during the 14th to 16th centuries. It signifies the transition from the medieval period to the modern world, marking an awakening from the darkness of the Middle Ages to the light of the modern era.

When and where did the Renaissance originate?

The Renaissance originated in Florence, Italy, in 1453. It began as a cultural movement that later spread throughout Europe.

What was the impact of the fall of Constantinople on the Renaissance?

The fall of Constantinople led many Greek and Latin scholars to take shelter in Italy with their books and manuscripts. This influx of scholars and their works made Florence a center for Greek study and classical literature, contributing significantly to the revival of classical learning and languages.

What is humanism and how did it influence the Renaissance?

Humanism is a philosophy that emphasizes the value and agency of human beings. During the Renaissance, humanism played a crucial role in speeding up the revival of classical learning, focusing on the study of classical texts and the promotion of secular values.

What were some other factors that contributed to the rise of the Renaissance in Europe?

Factors contributing to the rise of the Renaissance included the decline of feudalism, the invention of the printing press, the emergence of a national spirit, and the fall of Constantinople.

What is the significance of the Renaissance in terms of classical languages and learning?

The Renaissance popularized classical languages and learning. It led to a rediscovery of ancient texts and a renewed interest in the study of Latin and Greek, which in turn influenced various aspects of European culture and thought.

How did the Renaissance impact English literature?

The Renaissance had a profound impact on English literature, marked by four distinct periods: the period of preparation (1500-1558), the Elizabethan period (1558-1603), the Jacobean period (1603-1625), and the Caroline period (1625-1640). It influenced the development of drama, poetry, and prose, with figures like Shakespeare and Marlowe being products of this era.

What is the significance of Thomas More's 'Utopia' in the context of the Renaissance?

Thomas More's 'Utopia' is considered a true prologue to the Renaissance in England. It embodies the spirit of humanism and the exploration of new ideas and societal structures that were characteristic of the Renaissance period.

Who were the University Wits and what was their contribution to the Renaissance?

The University Wits were a group of seven writers, including Christopher Marlowe, Thomas Kyd, Robert Greene, George Peele, Thomas Lodge, Thomas Nash, and John Lyly. They contributed significantly to the Renaissance by introducing new themes and styles in literature, with Marlowe being particularly noted for his plays that touched upon various aspects of the Renaissance.

How did the Renaissance influence the prose and poetry of the period?

The Renaissance influenced prose and poetry by introducing new themes, styles, and forms. Writers like Erasmus, Sir Thomas More, and Sir Francis Bacon emphasized utility and worldly values in their prose, while poets like Sir Thomas Wyatt and Henry Howard introduced the sonnet and blank verse, giving English poetry a new sense of grace, dignity, and harmony.

What is the significance of Edmund Spenser and John Milton in the context of the Renaissance?

Edmund Spenser is recognized as the touchstone of English poetic sensibility, and his work embodies the Renaissance spirit. John Milton, considered a child of the Renaissance and the Reformation, wrote 'Paradise Lost,' which is deeply influenced by Renaissance ideas. Both Spenser and Milton are noted for their contributions to English literature during the Renaissance.

Outlines

00:00

🌟 Introduction to the Renaissance

The first paragraph introduces the concept of the Renaissance, a period of cultural rebirth that occurred between the 14th and 16th centuries. It highlights the revival of learning, particularly ancient Greek literature, and the transition from the medieval period to the modern era. The script discusses the origins of the Renaissance in Florence, Italy, and the influx of Greek and Latin scholars following the fall of Constantinople. The paragraph also touches on the role of humanism in accelerating the Renaissance, emphasizing the importance of classical learning and languages.

05:03

📚 The Renaissance in English Literature

This paragraph delves into the impact of the Renaissance on English literature, detailing its influence across four distinct periods: the period of preparation (1500-1558), the Elizabethan period (1558-1603), the Jacobean period (1603-1625), and the Caroline period (1625-1640). The script mentions the broader scope of drama during the Renaissance, with Shakespeare and his contemporaries being notable products of this era. It also discusses the contributions of various writers, such as Christopher Marlowe, Thomas Kyd, and Sir Francis Bacon, in different literary genres like drama, prose, and poetry, showcasing the Renaissance spirit in their works.

10:04

🎨 The Legacy of the Renaissance

The final paragraph summarizes the overall impact of the Renaissance on literature, emphasizing its influence on all branches of literature. It mentions the contributions of notable figures like John Milton and Edmund Spenser, whose works are deeply rooted in Renaissance ideas. The paragraph concludes by inviting viewers to engage with the content, encouraging them to subscribe to the channel and share their thoughts in the comments.

Keywords

💡Renaissance

The Renaissance refers to a period of cultural, artistic, political, and economic rebirth in Europe, spanning from the 14th to the 17th century. It marked a transition from the Middle Ages to the Modern era, characterized by a revival of interest in classical learning and values. In the video, it is described as a period of awakening from the 'darkness of the medieval period' to the 'light of the modern era,' and its impact on English literature is a central theme.

💡Humanism

Humanism, in the context of the Renaissance, is a philosophical stance that emphasizes the value and agency of human beings and generally prefers critical thinking and evidence over acceptance of dogma or superstition. The video mentions that humanism was a driving force behind the Renaissance, with scholars becoming 'highly respected figures' for their study of classical literature and art, leading to a greater focus on individualism and human potential.

💡Classical Literature

Classical literature refers to the body of ancient Greek and Roman writings that were highly valued during the Renaissance for their cultural and intellectual significance. The script discusses how the study of classical literature was revived and popularized, leading to a rediscovery of ancient Greek and Latin texts, which in turn influenced the literature and thought of the period.

💡Feudalism

Feudalism was a social, political, and economic system prevalent in medieval Europe, characterized by the relationship between lords and vassals. The decline of feudalism is mentioned in the script as one of the factors contributing to the rise of the Renaissance, as it paved the way for new social structures and the emergence of a more centralized power.

💡Printing Press

The invention of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg in the 15th century revolutionized the spread of knowledge and information. In the script, it is cited as a contributing factor to the Renaissance, as it allowed for the wider dissemination of classical texts and ideas, thus facilitating the revival of learning.

💡National Spirit

National spirit refers to the collective cultural, political, and social consciousness that characterizes a nation. The script mentions the emergence of a national spirit as a factor in the Renaissance, suggesting that there was a growing sense of identity and pride in one's country, which contributed to the cultural flourishing of the period.

💡Constantinople

Constantinople, now known as Istanbul, was the capital of the Byzantine Empire. Its fall to the Ottoman Empire in 1453 is mentioned in the script as a pivotal event that led to the migration of Greek and Latin scholars to Italy, bringing with them valuable manuscripts and texts that fueled the Renaissance.

💡Elizabethan Period

The Elizabethan period refers to the era in England during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I (1558-1603). It is highlighted in the script as the second phase of the Renaissance in English literature, known as 'the manhood of the Renaissance,' during which significant developments in drama and poetry occurred, with Shakespeare and his contemporaries being prominent figures.

💡Drama

Drama, in the context of the video, refers to the theatrical art form that flourished during the Renaissance, particularly in the Elizabethan period. The script notes that the scope of drama was widened through the study of classical works, leading to the creation of influential plays by Shakespeare and other university wits.

💡Sonnet

A sonnet is a 14-line poem with a specific rhyme scheme, often used to express love or other deep emotions. The script mentions the introduction of the sonnet to English poetry during the Renaissance, with Shakespeare's 154 sonnets being a prime example that explores various aspects of life and human values.

💡Edmund Spenser

Edmund Spenser is an English poet of the Elizabethan era, known for his work 'The Faerie Queene,' which is considered one of the masterpieces of the English Renaissance. The script identifies Spenser as a key figure in English poetic sensibility during the Renaissance, embodying the spirit of the period through his epic grandeur and moral emphasis.

Highlights

Renaissance is a French word meaning rebirth, revival, or re-awakening.

It took place during the 14th to 16th centuries, marking a revival of learning from ancient Greece.

The term Renaissance is used to describe the revival of ancient classical literature and the re-awakening of the human mind.

It represents a transition from the Middle Ages to the modern world, symbolizing an awakening from medieval darkness to modern light.

The Renaissance originated in Florence, Italy, in 1453, becoming a center for Greek study and classical literature.

After the fall of Constantinople, many Greek and Latin scholars brought their books and manuscripts to Italy.

Humanism, the religion of humanity, played a significant role in accelerating the Renaissance.

Other causes for the rise of the Renaissance include the decline of feudalism, the invention of the printing press, the emergence of national spirit, and the fall of Constantinople.

The Renaissance emphasized humanism, leading people to look within themselves and break free from medieval constraints.

The Renaissance in English literature is marked by four periods: the period of preparation, the Elizabethan period, the Jacobean period, and the Caroline period.

The impact of the Renaissance on English literature was profound, affecting European thought and life in general.

John Colet founded St. Paul's School, where teaching was influenced by the Renaissance.

Thomas More's 'Utopia' is considered a true prologue to the Renaissance in England.

The scope of drama was widened by the study of classics, with Shakespeare and his contemporaries being products of the Renaissance.

Christopher Marlowe has been called the true child of the Renaissance, with his plays touching upon all aspects of the period.

The Renaissance had a full impact on chief prose writers of the age, such as Erasmus and Sir Francis Bacon.

Poetry was also affected by the spirit of the Renaissance, with Sir Thomas Wyatt and Henry Howard introducing new forms like the sonnet and blank verse.

Edmund Spenser is recognized as the touchstone of English poetic sensibility, influenced by the Renaissance.

John Milton's 'Paradise Lost' is completely based on Renaissance ideas, showcasing the deep Renaissance spirit in his early poetry.

Transcripts

hello friends welcome back to my channel

so in today's video i am going to talk

about renesa

renasa

is a french word which means rebirth

revival

or re-awakening it took place during the

period of 14th century

to 16th century and it refers to

revival of learning or re-awakening of

learning

of ancient greece in literature

the term renesa is used to show the

revival of

ancient classical literature and

re-awakening of human mind

after the long sleep in middle ages

in fact renesa means the classical

revival

it was a transition from the middle ages

to the modern world

and awakening means and it was an

awakening

from the darkness of the medieval period

to the light of

modern era now let's discuss

brief history of the renaissance

star and

[Music]

originated in florence italy in 1453

it is the capital of the roman empire

now after the fall of constantinople

many greek and latin scholars took

shelter

in italy with their books and

manuscripts

now the italian city became the center

of greek study

and classical literature and the scholar

who

studied the roman art and literature

became the highly

respected figure so

in this way they helped in the revival

of classical learning and

languages and it was humanism that

speeded up the renaissance humanism

simply means the religion of

humanity there were several other causes

also responsible for the ryzen of

renesa in europe like the decline of

feudalism

the invention of printing press the

emergence of national

spirit and the most important the fall

of constantinople

now let's talk about the importance and

impact of

importance

impact

third one is classical languages and

learning were popularized

means the classical learning tea or

language

main important as a result of

the nasa man discovered himself and his

universe

and humanism and individualism became

the note of the day

the chief importance of the ranissa was

its emphasis on humanism

now men started looking within himself

and

broke the fatters which bound him during

the middle ages

now let's discuss the impact of renesa

on

english literature so in english

literature the ranissa

is marked by four periods like the first

period of renesa is the period of

preparation that started in 1500 and

ended in 1558

and it is also called as it uh the youth

of renesa

second period of renesa is the

elizabethan period which started in 1558

and ended in 1603 and it was known as

the

manhood of the relisa third period of

the renaissance

is the jacobian period that started in

1603

and ended in 1625 and it was the middle

age of the renaissance

now the fourth period of the renaissance

is the caroline period

which started in 1625 and ended in 1640

and it was the old age of the

renaissance in england

age that started in 1649

and ended in 1660.

we have already mentioned how the renesa

affected european thought

and life in general and its impact on

english literature was quite deep

means

now let's see the examples so uh after

renesa

john collett founded saint paul's school

where teaching was

[Music]

[Music]

new latin grammar and thomas moore's

utopia is a true prologue to the

renaissance

in england now during the renesa period

the most memorable achievement in

literature was in the field of

drama now the scope of the drama was

widened by the

study of classics in drama the

university with

shakespeare and his great contemporaries

were the products of the renaissance yes

university

there were seven members in university

beats

and the first member was christopher

marlowe second was

thomas kidd third was robert greene

fourth was george peale

fifth was thomas lodge sixth was thomas

nash and then

john lily so john lilly's euphemis and

green's short novels were based on

italian

story whereas christopher marlowe has

been called the true child of the

renaissance christopher

marlowe's plays touch upon almost

all aspect of the renaissance and his

heroes

are all the men of the ranissa they are

all materialistic the love of

wealth is expressed in marlow's the jew

of malta

the love for power and pleasure are

expressed in

dr foster's and in marlow's timberlane

the whole renaissance spirit can be seen

renesa also have full impact on chief

prose writers of the age

erasmus erasmus praise of folly moore's

utopia

and mallory's mortar d author witnessed

the

spirit of classical renaissance but the

most

remarkable name but the most remarkable

name

for prose in this period was sir francis

beckon

who is also called the father of english

prose

francis beckon rightly represents in his

works the

spirit of renesa like the men of

renesa he led emphasis on utility

and worldly values rather than on

philosophical and abstract ideals

poetry was also affected by the spirit

of the renaissance

and renaissance gave a new life to

english poetry

sir thomas vyat and henry howard or

the url of surrey were the pioneer of

new poetry in england they brought with

them new spirit of

renesa from italy and they gave english

poetry a new sense of grace

dignity and harmony they introduced the

sonnet right

and the blank verse poetry in england

shakespeare's sonnets which are 154 in

number

shows all the aspects of life he talks

of

love beauty time age and human values

in his immortal sonnets but the

renaissance spirit

had its full play in the hands of

spencer

means edmund spencer he has been

recognized as the touchstone of english

poetic sensibility

john milton is also considered as the

child of

ranissa and reformation his paradise

lost

is completely based on ranissa ideas

milton's early poetry is remarkable for

its deep renaissance

spirit his homework similes his grand

style his moral emphasis his

epic grandeur all speak of the renisa

spirit

in short all the branches of literature

were influenced by the renaissance

so it's all about renesa and its impact

on english literature

so friends i hope you liked this video

and if you like this video then please

don't forget to subscribe my channel and

give your opinion

in comment box thank you

you