Paper 101 : Elizabethan Renaissance: A Golden Age of Art and Ideas

This blog is part of an assignment for the paper 101 - Literature of the Elizabethan and Restoration Periods, Sem - 1, 2024.

Elizabethan Renaissance: A Golden Age of Art and Ideas

Table of Contents:-

Personal Information

Assignment Details

Introduction

Meaning

Renaissance period in England

Causes of Renaissance

Prominent figures

Impact of Renaissance on English literature

Conclusion

Key points

References

Personal Information:-

Name:- Krishna Vala

Batch:- M.A. Sem 1 (2024-2026)

Enrollment Number:- 5108240037

E-mail Address:-krishnavala2005@gmail.com

Roll Number:- 13

Assignment Details:-

Topic:- Elizabethan Renaissance: A Golden Age of Art and Ideas

Paper & subject code:- 101-Literature of the Elizabethan and Restoration Periods & 22392

Submitted to:- Smt. Sujata Binoy Gardi, Department of English, MKBU,

Bhavnagar

Date of Submission:- 20 November,2024

Abstract

The Elizabethan Renaissance was a golden age of art and ideas, marked by the works of artistic luminaries like William Shakespeare and Christopher Marlowe, and scientific advancements influenced by figures like Galileo Galilei and Nicolas Copperfield. This era saw a blend of humanist thought, artistic innovation, and intellectual inquiry, driven by the stability and patronage of Queen Elizabeth I. With breakthroughs in literature, drama, and early scientific exploration, the Elizabethan period left a lasting legacy on the cultural and intellectual landscape of England.

Introduction :

Some periods of history are so appealing, so beautiful, that they inspire the imagination long after they are over. Such was the case with the ancient Roman and Greek civilisations. Rather than letting these periods of history die, later eras have tried to resurrect them, study them, and learn from them. This is especially true of the period of European history known as the Renaissance. The renaissance period in English history marked a new flourishing in the arts. In this article we'll explore some of the characteristics of the renaissance.  

Renaissance meaning

The word Renaissance literally means ‘new birth’. It was an era spanning the 15th and 16th centuries and a bridge between the Middle Ages and the modern world, which arguably started in the 18th century. The reason it is called ‘rebirth’ is that it was a conscious effort to bring back to life the ideals, art, and accomplishments of the ancient or classical civilisations of Greece and Rome. This ancient era is sometimes called ‘classical antiquity’.

Renaissance period in England

The English Renaissance is normally dated between the 16th and 17th centuries, long after its origins in Italy in the late 14th century.

Because of the geographical distance between Italy and England, the developments which happened a century earlier in Italy took a while to reach England. The period of English history associated with the Renaissance is known as the Elizabethan era (during the reign of Elizabeth I). However, some historians consider the Renaissance to have started under the reign of Henry 8th in the previous century.

There are some notable differences between the Italian and the English Renaissance. For one thing, it was literature and music which dominated the cultural landscape of the English Renaissance rather than the visual arts, which were a more prominent feature of the Italian Renaissance.

Literature was at the centre of the development of Renaissance ideas in England in this period, especially since the invention and widespread use of the printing press and the translation of the Bible into vernacular English in 1611 (the so-called King James Bible) and the advent of the Reformation.

The Reformation was a split between the Catholic Church and what became known as the Protestant Church. The Protestants wanted to be able to read and interpret the Bible for themselves rather than follow the Catholic interpretation.

Two of the most important contributors to English Renaissance literature were Edmund Spenser (1552-1599) and William Shakespeare (1564-1616). Edmund Spenser wrote The Faerie Queen, which was an important influence, while Shakespeare wrote numerous plays and poems which became the most popular texts of the era.

Although it was English Literature which dominated during the Renaissance in England, the visual arts were not unimportant. Most artists of the period painted portraits. In particular, portraits of Elizabeth I became very popular, and numerous versions were produced.

 Cause of Renaissance 

The Renaissance in English literature, which began in the late 15th century and continued into the 17th century, was driven by a number of interconnected causes:

1. Humanism: 

This intellectual movement emphasized the value of human experience, reason, and classical learning (Greek and Roman texts). Humanism inspired English writers to focus on individual potential and a more critical approach to literature, art, and philosophy.

2. The Printing Press: 

The invention of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg in the mid-15th century played a crucial role. It made books more accessible and affordable, leading to a wider dissemination of ideas and literature, and making education more widespread.

3. The Fall of Constantinople (1453): 

The capture of Constantinople by the Ottoman Empire led many Greek scholars to flee to Western Europe, bringing with them important ancient manuscripts and knowledge, which helped revive interest in classical texts.

4. The Reformation:

Religious changes, particularly the Protestant Reformation, led to challenges against the Catholic Church’s authority. This prompted new ways of thinking about religion, politics, and society, influencing literature with themes of individualism, morality, and the questioning of established doctrines.

5. Patronage of the Arts: 

The rise of wealthy patrons, including the monarchy (like Henry VIII and Elizabeth I), supported artists, writers, and playwrights. This led to the flourishing of the arts, particularly in drama, poetry, and prose.

6. Scientific Discoveries and Exploration:

The era also saw advancements in science, navigation, and exploration, which expanded the horizons of human knowledge and inspired works of literature to engage with new ideas, geography, and the understanding of the world.

These factors combined to create an environment in which literature flourished, with writers like Shakespeare, Edmund Spenser, Christopher Marlowe, and Sir Philip Sidney creating works that reflected both the classical revival and the changing social and political landscape of the time.

Prominent figure in branch of  culture, Art, Literature and science. 

During the Renaissance, various fields such as culture, art, literature, and science saw significant advancements, and many prominent figures emerged in each. Here are examples from each field:

1. Cultural Figures:

A) Erasmus of Rotterdam: A leading humanist scholar, Erasmus played a key role in promoting classical education and the study of ancient texts. His writings, such as The Praise of Folly, critiqued the church and societal norms, influencing both the Reformation and the Renaissance.

B) Niccolò Machiavelli: A philosopher and political theorist, Machiavelli’s works, especially The Prince, are central to Renaissance political thought. His pragmatic and often controversial views on power, leadership, and morality marked a shift towards modern political science.

2. Artistic Figures:

A) Leonardo da Vinci: Known for masterpieces like The Last Supper and Mona Lisa, da Vinci epitomized the Renaissance ideal of the "Renaissance man," excelling in both art and scientific observation. His work bridged art and science.

B) Michelangelo Buonarroti: A renowned sculptor, painter, and architect, Michelangelo is best known for his sculptures of David and the Pietà, as well as his frescoes on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. His contributions deeply influenced Renaissance art and Western art history.

Here are example of Art & Architecture... 

The Ditchley Portrait of Elizabeth I by the foreign Marcus Gheeraerts the Younger, c.1592

William Shakespeare, chief figure of the English Renaissance, as portrayed in the Chandos portrait (artist and authenticity not confirmed).

Hampton Court Palace

3. Literary Figures:

A) William Shakespeare: Often considered one of the greatest writers in the English language, Shakespeare’s works, including plays like Hamlet, Macbeth, and Romeo and Juliet, explored human nature and societal issues, and his influence continues to shape literature and drama today.

B) Christopher Marlowe: A leading figure in Elizabethan drama, Marlowe’s plays, including Doctor Faustus and Tamburlaine the Great, are noted for their complex characters and exploration of themes like ambition and power. Marlowe's works greatly influenced Shakespeare and the development of English drama.

4. Scientific Figures:

A) Nicolaus Copernicus: A mathematician and astronomer, Copernicus proposed the heliocentric theory, challenging the geocentric view of the universe that had dominated for centuries. His work, De revolutionibus orbium coelestium, was a catalyst for the scientific revolution.

B) Galileo Galilei: Often called the "father of modern science," Galileo's contributions to physics, astronomy, and the scientific method were profound. His observations through the telescope, such as discovering the moons of Jupiter, challenged established views of the cosmos and promoted empirical science.

Each of these figures played a vital role in shaping the intellectual and cultural landscape of the Renaissance, leaving lasting legacies in their respective fields.

The Impact of Renaissance on English Literature

The impact of the Renaissance on English Literature is an increased willingness of

writers to satirize existing works. The most significant impact of the Renaissance on English literature was seen in the changes of perception of human beings. For example, the words of

Williams –

Now he looked inward into his own soul,

Seeking the meaning of experience in term of his free individuality.

The Renaissance brought about a new spirit in English literature in all its aspects. The thirst for classical learning also gave a new impetus to literature. All the forms of literature were developed during this period:

1) Impact on Drama

The Renaissance scored its first clear impact on English drama in the middle of the

sixteenth century. During the Renaissance, drama become more secularized and reached crowning glory in the hands of University Wits such as Marlowe, Shakespeare and Ben Jonson.

Among the University Wits, Marlowe has been called – “The true child of the Renaissance.” The heroes in his plays show an infinite desire for knowledge, wealth and power. Shakespeare introduced all the forms of drama. He wrote historical and romantic plays. His greatest

achievement was in the field of tragedy. Ben Jonson introduced a new kind of drama known as comedy of humour. In his plays, the social evils and lust for money are shown that found in the English society. The tragic plays of blood and revenge were introduced by John Webster in this age. 

Examples

Marlowe’s Doctor Faustus, Tamburlaine, Jew of Malta and Edward II

Shakespeare’s Macbeth, Othello, Hamlet, King Lear and A Mid Summer Night’s Dream

Ben Jonson’s Alchemist, Everyman in His Humour and Volpone

These are a few examples of the dramas of the Renaissance age.

2) Impact on Poetry

In Poetry, the spirit of Renaissance can be seen in the works of Wyatt, Surrey, Spenser,

Sidney, Shakespeare and etc. this form became a fashionable and handy tool for the great poets of this age. Sir Thomas Wyatt and the Earl of Surrey were the pioneers of the new poetry in England. They both gave English poetry a new sense of grace, dignity and harmony. They did their best to imitate Italian Renaissance. Wyatt has introduced the sonnet in English literature. Though in his sonnets Wyatt did not employ regular iambic pentameters, yet he created a sense of discipline among the poets of the era. According to David Daiches – Wyatt’s sonnets represent one of the most interesting movements toward metrical discipline, found in English literary history Surrey’s works are characterized by exquisite grace and tenderness. He was a better craftsman and gives greater harmony to his poetry. Surrey employed blank verse in English literature with the translation of the fourth book of The Aeneid.

 Examples

Shakespeare’s 154 sonnets

Sidney’s Astrophel and Stella

Spenser’s Amoretti

Milton’s Paradise Lost

With these few poetry of Renaissance era, England becomes a nest of singing birds.

3) Impact on Prose

Italian wind brought the seeds of the novel in English literature. The most important

prose writers who exhibit well the influence of the Renaissance on English prose are Erasmus, Sir Thomas More, Lyly, and Sidney. In the 15th century, the prose writings of Bacon are true spirit of the Renaissance. He is called the father of English essays. His essays provided the best worldly wisdom in the era of Renaissance.

- Examples

Sir Thomas More’s Utopia

Malory’s Morte – de – Arthur

Erasmus’ Praise and Folly

Browne’s Religio Medici

Conclusion

The Renaissance makes a great effect on the development of English literature. In 1564,

the Italian Renaissance was over but the English Renaissance had hardly begun. The age of Shakespeare was the era of Renaissance in England. It was an important movement that illuminated the whole English literature. Classical language and learning were popularized.

Paradise Lost is the last great triumph of the Renaissance.

 Key points

-The word Renaissance literally means ‘new birth’.

-It was a conscious effort to bring back to life the ideals, art, and accomplishments of the ancient or classical civilisations of Greece and Rome. 

-Two of the most important contributors to English Renaissance literature were Edmund Spenser (1552-1599) and William Shakespeare (1564-1616).

-In the domain of scientific enquiry, the Renaissance merged art with science. Artists like Da Vinci drew careful and precise depictions of the human body and anatomy.

References : 

GRENDLER, PAUL F. "Renaissance ." Europe, 1450 to 1789: Encyclopedia of the Early Modern World. . Encyclopedia.com. 16 Nov. 2024 <https://www.encyclopedia.com>.

Life in Renaissance England, www.uh.edu/~djudkins/life_in_renaissance_england.htm. Accessed 18 Nov. 2024. 

Miller, John H. Ibn Khaldun and Machiavelli : An Examination of Paradigms. 1983.

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