Week 3-Renai

2. It advocates the full expression of individualism and the fulfillment of one’s abilities, against the despotic rule of Feudalism. It declares that the purpose of life is the unrestrained and self-sufficient practice of one’s “virtues,” the competent and delighted exercise of one’s skill.
5. It was brought about by the growth of productive forces in the wombs of feudal society, by the development of new forms of social relations. It signified the beginning of the disruption of feudal system and became a movement against Feudalism and hierarchy as time went on. It had the most far-reaching influence and paved the way for the Religious reformation and the Bourgeois Revolution. In England, the combination of the two led to the outbreak of the Puritan Revolution.
3. It affirms the delight பைடு நூலகம்f earthly achievement, as well as man’s desire for happiness and pleasure. Its preoccupation is with this life and it exposes the hypocrisy and debauchery of the clergy.
Renaissance in England
Renaissance reached England late. In the later half of 14th century, Chaucer visited Italy, and Italian influence can be traced in his poetry. But it was only near the end of the 15th century that Italian influence came to be important, and it was not until the accession of Henry VIII to the throne in 1509 that a notable Renaissance took place in England.
Humanism was one of the most important factors giving rise to the Renaissance.
The word “bourgeoisie” originally meant “town dwellers,” especially those lived by trading. By nature, the feudal order was agrarian. At the time of the Renaissance, the bourgeoisie appeared as a new class of society, and the conflicts between the newly arising bourgeoisie and feudalism and the Church became the main social contradiction of the time. Humanism was the very weapon for the bourgeoisie to use in its fight against feudal restrictions and the dominating influence of the Church.
Three stages of English Renaissance
The first stage, the beginning of English Renaissance: 1485-1558; The second stage, Elizabethan Age: 1558-1603; The third stage, includes the reign of James I, Charles I and the time of the Puritan Revolution: 1603-1660
The Main Traits of the Renaissance Literature
1. It emphasizes the dignity of man, affirms and eulogizes the value of man, which often implies a lessening in the power of God. It describes the intellectual and physical “virtues” of the human being, and of its place in the creation.
To believe that man does have not only the right to enjoy the beauty of this life, but the ability to perfect himself and perform wonders; To express the rebellious spirit against tyranny of feudal rule and ecclesiastical domination
Renaissance (I)
A General Introduction
Renaissance (14th-mid 17th century)
1. It marks the transition from the medieval to the modern world. 2. It began in the 14th century in Italy and was a great cultural and intellectual movement that swept the whole Europe. The peak of the Renaissance can be shown to have occurred at different times in different countries.
Humanism
Humanism was a literary and philosophical system of thought which attempted to place the affairs of mankind at the centre of its concerns. Originating in Italy during the Renaissance, it soon spread throughout most of the western Europe. It was based on a new reading of Greek and Roman literature, an affirmation of the importance of Platonic philosophy and a reinterpretation of the writings of Aristotle.
The Significance of Renaissance
The word “Renaissance” means “rebirth” or “revival” (of learning). The Renaissance period was marked by a reawakening of interest in learning, in the individual and in the world of nature. The revival of learning led scholars back to the culture of Greece and Rome. The rebirth of interest in the individual gave rise to a new appreciation of beauty, to a desire for self-
The Beginning of the English Renaissance (1485-1558)
I. Background 1. Historical background 1) Corruption of the Church 2) The fall of the Eastern Empire (Roman) 2. Religious Reformation 1) Martin Luther believed that true Christian was his own priest and was entitled to interpret scripture for himself;
Basic features:
To exalt human elements or stress the Importance of human interests, as opposed to the supernatural divine elements, or as opposed to the grosser, animal elements; To see human beings as glorious creatures, capable of individual development; To emphasize the divinity of human beings and importance of the present life;