The English RenaissanceThe English Renaissance(1485-1660)(1485-1660)

What was the What was the Renaissance?Renaissance?

Renaissance is French for “rebirth”.Renaissance is French for “rebirth”. It began in Italy in the 14It began in Italy in the 14thth century and in century and in

England extended past the middle of the England extended past the middle of the 1717thth century century (Keach, Richetti, and Robbins 128). (Keach, Richetti, and Robbins 128).

The Renaissance ushered in a new age of The Renaissance ushered in a new age of “modern” thinking“modern” thinking, and separated itself , and separated itself from the previous era called the Middle from the previous era called the Middle Ages (or Dark Ages) (Farzaneh).Ages (or Dark Ages) (Farzaneh).

Society saw a rebirth of the intellectual Society saw a rebirth of the intellectual and artistic energies that characterized and artistic energies that characterized ancient Greek and Roman civilization.ancient Greek and Roman civilization.

It awakened a whole range of new It awakened a whole range of new interests in human beings and the world interests in human beings and the world they lived in (Keach, Richetti, and Robbins they lived in (Keach, Richetti, and Robbins 128).128).

The words of Erasmus of The words of Erasmus of Rotterdam, a great Dutch Rotterdam, a great Dutch thinker who influenced thinker who influenced English thinkers in the 16English thinkers in the 16thth century, reflect this spirit of century, reflect this spirit of hopeful renewal:hopeful renewal:

““I am led to a confident I am led to a confident hope that not only hope that not only morality and Christian morality and Christian piety, but also a piety, but also a genuine and purer genuine and purer literature, may come to literature, may come to renewed life or greater renewed life or greater splendour.”splendour.”(qtd. in Keach, Richetti, and Robbins 129)(qtd. in Keach, Richetti, and Robbins 129)

The Renaissance was an artistic The Renaissance was an artistic movementmovement::

The Renaissance shaped the works The Renaissance shaped the works of great painters, sculptors, of great painters, sculptors, musicians, and architects; the visual musicians, and architects; the visual arts flourished (Keach, Richetti, and arts flourished (Keach, Richetti, and Robbins 129).Robbins 129).

The Renaissance was an The Renaissance was an intellectualintellectual movementmovement::

Before the Renaissance, Medieval thinking was defined by certain attitudes and beliefs.

Medieval thought put an emphasis on God, relied heavily on faith, and saw this life as preparation for the afterlife.

The world and its pleasures were viewed as temptations and rejected as sinful.

Society demanded unquestioning obedience to authority (to God, church, feudal lord, or king).

Community (under the system called feudalism) was more important that individuality.

Tradition was not challenged.

(Kreis)(Kreis)

With the Renaissance came a new With the Renaissance came a new intellectual movement known as intellectual movement known as HumanismHumanism.. The Basic Beliefs of HumanismThe Basic Beliefs of Humanism::

- Saw the potential of life in the here and now, not just the Saw the potential of life in the here and now, not just the afterlifeafterlife..

- Emphasized the capacities of the human mind and the Emphasized the capacities of the human mind and the achievements of human culture rather than the power of God achievements of human culture rather than the power of God (Keach, Richetti, and Robbins 129). (Keach, Richetti, and Robbins 129).

- Replaced unquestioning faith with an instinct of curiosity, honest Replaced unquestioning faith with an instinct of curiosity, honest doubt, and skepticism.doubt, and skepticism.

- Sought freedom from authority and valued personal Sought freedom from authority and valued personal independence (Kreis).independence (Kreis).

- Believed in the dignity and potential of the individual (Abrams Believed in the dignity and potential of the individual (Abrams 240).240).

- Valued Valued individual expressionindividual expression (Kreis). (Kreis).- Cherished beauty and earthly pleasures, as the ancient Greeks Cherished beauty and earthly pleasures, as the ancient Greeks

and Romans did.and Romans did.- Emphasized the importance of educationEmphasized the importance of education , reason, and , reason, and

intellectual freedom; moved away from the traditional study of intellectual freedom; moved away from the traditional study of logic, law, astronomy and philosophy to a study of subjects we logic, law, astronomy and philosophy to a study of subjects we now refer to as the humanities: liberal arts, grammar, rhetoric, now refer to as the humanities: liberal arts, grammar, rhetoric, poetry, moral philosophy (Farzaneh).poetry, moral philosophy (Farzaneh).

Overall Impact of Humanism Overall Impact of Humanism on the Renaissanceon the Renaissance

Although humanism broke away from Although humanism broke away from the traditions and superstitions of the the traditions and superstitions of the Medieval Era, God and Christianity Medieval Era, God and Christianity were still important; however, many were still important; however, many Christian humanists questioned the Christian humanists questioned the practices of the Roman Catholic practices of the Roman Catholic church (Farzaneh).church (Farzaneh).

Humanism therefore contributed to Humanism therefore contributed to the thinking behind the Protestant the thinking behind the Protestant Reformation (Kreis).Reformation (Kreis).

It provided a crucial step towards It provided a crucial step towards later periods of scientific later periods of scientific advancement (Farzaneh).advancement (Farzaneh).

It resulted in a more educated, It resulted in a more educated, literate society and literate society and prepared people prepared people for literature with more secular (non-for literature with more secular (non-religious) ideasreligious) ideas (Kreis). (Kreis).

The Renaissance - An Era of The Renaissance - An Era of ExplorationExploration

Exploration and discovery Exploration and discovery of new worlds (including of new worlds (including the Americas) supplied the Americas) supplied Europe with goods and Europe with goods and trade partners. The trade partners. The English were not pioneers English were not pioneers in the discovery and in the discovery and exploration of the new exploration of the new world, but they profited world, but they profited greatly as colonizers and greatly as colonizers and merchant adventurers, merchant adventurers, especially during the especially during the reign of Elizabeth I reign of Elizabeth I (Abrams 239).(Abrams 239).

The Renaissance - An Era of ScienceThe Renaissance - An Era of Science Copernicus (1473-1543) & Copernicus (1473-1543) &

Galileo (1564-1642) Galileo (1564-1642) (physicists, (physicists, mathematicians, mathematicians, astronomers) hypothesized astronomers) hypothesized that the Earth was not the that the Earth was not the centre of the universe as centre of the universe as the Catholic Church the Catholic Church traditionally believed. traditionally believed. Instead, they suggested Instead, they suggested that the Earth, as well as that the Earth, as well as other planets, orbited other planets, orbited around the sun.around the sun.

Both men were labeled as heretics Both men were labeled as heretics by the Catholic Churchby the Catholic Church

((Keach, Richetti, and Robbins Keach, Richetti, and Robbins 142)142)

Gutenberg’s Printing PressGutenberg’s Printing Press It was invented in 1440 in Germany by JohannesIt was invented in 1440 in Germany by Johannes

Gutenberg and introduced in Gutenberg and introduced in England a few decades later England a few decades later by William Caxton.by William Caxton.

At a time when education wasAt a time when education wasbecoming more important, thebecoming more important, theprinting press made books cheaperprinting press made books cheaperand more widely available to a and more widely available to a rising middle class.rising middle class.

In the early 15In the early 15thth century, century, about 30% of the people were about 30% of the people were literate compared to 60%literate compared to 60%by 1530. (Abrams 240)by 1530. (Abrams 240)

The time was right for the flowering of the Renaissance The time was right for the flowering of the Renaissance literary movementliterary movement..

So the Renaissance meantSo the Renaissance meant…… … … a “rebirth” for humanity.a “rebirth” for humanity. ……that human beings were ready to that human beings were ready to

demonstrate what they could demonstrate what they could accomplish in the realms of accomplish in the realms of philosophy, music, literature, art, philosophy, music, literature, art, science, and global exploration.science, and global exploration.

It began in Europe in the 1300’s.It began in Europe in the 1300’s. So why did it take a century or so for So why did it take a century or so for

the movement to catch on in the movement to catch on in England?England?

Political Instability Stifles the Political Instability Stifles the Renaissance in EnglandRenaissance in England

England was slow to participate in the European England was slow to participate in the European Renaissance mainly for political reasons.Renaissance mainly for political reasons.

The Yorks and the Lancasters battled each other for The Yorks and the Lancasters battled each other for the throne in the Wars of the Roses (1455-1485).the throne in the Wars of the Roses (1455-1485).

In 1485 Henry Tudor, Earl of Richmond, defeated In 1485 Henry Tudor, Earl of Richmond, defeated Yorkist King Richard III and was crowned King Henry Yorkist King Richard III and was crowned King Henry VII, reigning until 1509.VII, reigning until 1509.

The Tudor dynasty was established and ruled the The Tudor dynasty was established and ruled the country for more than a century (country for more than a century (Keach, Richetti, and Keach, Richetti, and RobbinsRobbins 132-133).132-133).

Henry VII’s reign brought the political stability Henry VII’s reign brought the political stability necessary for Renaissance ideas to take root in necessary for Renaissance ideas to take root in England.England.

It was not until the reign of his son, Henry VIII, that It was not until the reign of his son, Henry VIII, that Renaissance ideas were able to flower (Abrams 240).Renaissance ideas were able to flower (Abrams 240).

The Reign of King Henry VIII (1509-The Reign of King Henry VIII (1509-1547)1547)

Henry saw himself mainly as a political Henry saw himself mainly as a political leader but admired what the leader but admired what the Renaissance had achieved in Europe.Renaissance had achieved in Europe.

He wanted to he thought of as “an He wanted to he thought of as “an enlightened Renaissance prince”.enlightened Renaissance prince”.

In Henry’s court, famous poets such as In Henry’s court, famous poets such as Sir Thomas Wyatt and Henry Howard Sir Thomas Wyatt and Henry Howard were beginning their work.were beginning their work.

Sir Thomas More became the center of Sir Thomas More became the center of a brilliant circle of English Humanists. a brilliant circle of English Humanists. His His UtopiaUtopia was an early Renaissance was an early Renaissance masterpiece.masterpiece.

But it was during his reign that religious But it was during his reign that religious and historical forces once again and historical forces once again disrupted literary and artistic disrupted literary and artistic development development ((Keach, Richetti, and Keach, Richetti, and Robbins 133Robbins 133).).

The Protestant ReformationThe Protestant Reformation Was a movement of religious Was a movement of religious protestprotest

against the authority and “corruption” of against the authority and “corruption” of the Roman Catholic Church.the Roman Catholic Church.

Was already underway in Europe under Was already underway in Europe under the leadership of people such as Martin the leadership of people such as Martin Luther and John Calvin, who protested Luther and John Calvin, who protested against the practices of the Roman against the practices of the Roman Catholic Church for religious reasons.Catholic Church for religious reasons.

Henry VIII had political and personal Henry VIII had political and personal motives for breaking away from the motives for breaking away from the Church:Church: Catherine of Aragon, his first wife, had Catherine of Aragon, his first wife, had

not produced a male heir for the not produced a male heir for the throne.throne.

The Pope refused Henry VIII a divorce.The Pope refused Henry VIII a divorce. He defied the Pope, married Anne He defied the Pope, married Anne

Boleyn, and declared himself Supreme Boleyn, and declared himself Supreme Head of the Church of England (the Head of the Church of England (the Anglican Church)Anglican Church)

((Keach, Richetti, and Robbins Keach, Richetti, and Robbins 133).133).

Negative Effects of the Reformation on Negative Effects of the Reformation on the Renaissancethe Renaissance

Sir Thomas More opposed Sir Thomas More opposed the king’s divorce and the king’s divorce and refused to swear allegiance refused to swear allegiance to him. Henry imprisoned to him. Henry imprisoned More and executed him.More and executed him.

More's death is a reminder More's death is a reminder of how the cultural and of how the cultural and artistic spirit of the artistic spirit of the Renaissance was prevented Renaissance was prevented from thriving under Henry's from thriving under Henry's lust for dynastic power and lust for dynastic power and authority.authority.

((Keach, Richetti, and Robbins Keach, Richetti, and Robbins 133)133)

Negative Effects ContinuedNegative Effects Continued It led to a lot of political and religious It led to a lot of political and religious

instability that hindered the advancement instability that hindered the advancement of the Renaissance, even after Henry’s of the Renaissance, even after Henry’s death in 1547.death in 1547.

Catholic was pitted against Protestant.Catholic was pitted against Protestant. Edward VI (reigned 1547-1553) – Edward VI (reigned 1547-1553) –

son of Henry and Jane Seymourson of Henry and Jane Seymour continued Protestant reformscontinued Protestant reforms Queen Mary (reigned1553-1558) – Queen Mary (reigned1553-1558) –

(Known as “Bloody Mary”)(Known as “Bloody Mary”) Daughter of Catherine of AragonDaughter of Catherine of Aragon Was a devout Catholic and married Was a devout Catholic and married

Phillip II of Spain.Phillip II of Spain. Instituted a reign of terror against Instituted a reign of terror against

English Protestants in an attempt to English Protestants in an attempt to return England to Catholic authority. return England to Catholic authority.

Her time on the throne threatened Her time on the throne threatened England's growing national identity England's growing national identity and allowed Spain to emerge as the and allowed Spain to emerge as the dominant, most imperialistic power dominant, most imperialistic power in sixteenth-century Europe.in sixteenth-century Europe.

(Keach, Richetti, and Robbins 134)(Keach, Richetti, and Robbins 134)

Elizabeth I and the Renaissance Elizabeth I and the Renaissance RenewedRenewed

Queen Elizabeth I (reigned 1558-1603)Queen Elizabeth I (reigned 1558-1603)

She ascended to the throne at age 25. She ascended to the throne at age 25. She was very intelligent and had an excellent She was very intelligent and had an excellent

Renaissance education. Her tutor was Roger Renaissance education. Her tutor was Roger Ascham, a famous English Humanist.Ascham, a famous English Humanist.

She was an She was an accomplished linguist and poetaccomplished linguist and poet . . She She encouraged literary and artistic encouraged literary and artistic

developments which allowed the Renaissance developments which allowed the Renaissance in England to growin England to grow..

She was a clever diplomat and ruthless politician.She was a clever diplomat and ruthless politician. She used her unmarried status as a way to She used her unmarried status as a way to

manipulate her traditional enemies, France and manipulate her traditional enemies, France and Spain, who sought alliances with England through marriage to its Spain, who sought alliances with England through marriage to its Queen.Queen.

She promoted peace by navigating a reasonable religious track She promoted peace by navigating a reasonable religious track between the Protestants and the Catholics.between the Protestants and the Catholics.

(Keach, Richetti, and Robbins 134)(Keach, Richetti, and Robbins 134)

I have already joined myself in I have already joined myself in marriage to a husband, namely marriage to a husband, namely the kingdom of England. the kingdom of England. (Elizabeth to Parliament)(Elizabeth to Parliament)    

I have no desire to make I have no desire to make windowswindows into men’s souls. into men’s souls. (a reference to the Catholic/Protestant (a reference to the Catholic/Protestant issue)issue)

I know I have the body of a I know I have the body of a weak and feeble woman, weak and feeble woman, but I have the heart and but I have the heart and stomach of a king.stomach of a king.

(Tilbury Speech, 1588)(Tilbury Speech, 1588)

(“Elizabeth I Quotes”)(“Elizabeth I Quotes”)

In 1588, England’s navy defeated In 1588, England’s navy defeated the Spanish Armada (the the Spanish Armada (the strongest naval force of the age) strongest naval force of the age) when Spain attempted to invade. when Spain attempted to invade.

The victory marked Elizabeth's The victory marked Elizabeth's authority in a country that had authority in a country that had become one of the most powerful become one of the most powerful in the world in less than a in the world in less than a century.century.

With swelling national pride and With swelling national pride and new economic prosperity due to new economic prosperity due to commercial trade in the Americas, commercial trade in the Americas, England was ready for a period of England was ready for a period of great artistic and cultural great artistic and cultural achievements.achievements.

Many individuals of talent came to Many individuals of talent came to Elizabeth’s court to distinguish Elizabeth’s court to distinguish themselves artistically.themselves artistically. (Keach, Richetti, and RobbinsKeach, Richetti, and Robbins 135)

The Defeat of the Spanish The Defeat of the Spanish ArmadaArmada

Artistic Tastes of ElizabethansArtistic Tastes of Elizabethans Elizabethan attitudes toward art, literature, Elizabethan attitudes toward art, literature,

and life in general was a strange combination and life in general was a strange combination of old and new; attachment to the medieval of old and new; attachment to the medieval past and a modern outlook. past and a modern outlook.

Artistic tastes veered toward elaborate pattern Artistic tastes veered toward elaborate pattern and complicated ornament controlled through and complicated ornament controlled through order and symmetry. order and symmetry.

Elizabethans admired Elizabethans admired artifice, andartifice, and considered considered that which was artificial" to be an extension that which was artificial" to be an extension of the of the art art itself. They believed that itself. They believed that which was made by human skill added which was made by human skill added to and improved on the order found to and improved on the order found in the natural world.in the natural world.

These tastes appeared in all These tastes appeared in all aspects of Elizabethan life fromaspects of Elizabethan life fromgowns, to buildings, gardens, gowns, to buildings, gardens, music, dance and poetry.music, dance and poetry.(Keach, Richetti, and Robbins 138-139)(Keach, Richetti, and Robbins 138-139)

See YouTube – Dance from See YouTube – Dance from Shakespeare in Love Shakespeare in Love for an example of highly patterned dance.for an example of highly patterned dance. See YouTube for example of an English madrigal. A favorite is See YouTube for example of an English madrigal. A favorite is Fair Phyllis, Fair Phyllis, composed by John composed by John

Farmer and sung by the King’s Singers. Lots of independent vocal parts that intertwine.Farmer and sung by the King’s Singers. Lots of independent vocal parts that intertwine.

In literature, they enjoyed a verbal pattern for the eyes and the ears In literature, they enjoyed a verbal pattern for the eyes and the ears much like a repeated tune or rhythmic beat found in music. much like a repeated tune or rhythmic beat found in music.

Intricate verbal patterning and arrangement were seen as an Intricate verbal patterning and arrangement were seen as an essential means of expressing the true order of the mental and essential means of expressing the true order of the mental and material universe.material universe.(Keach, Richetti, and Robbins 139)(Keach, Richetti, and Robbins 139)

Shall I compare thee to a summer's day? Thou art more lovely and more temperate. Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May, And summer's lease hath all too short a date. Sometime too hot the eye of heaven shines, And often is his gold complexion dimm'd;

And every fair from fair sometime declines, By chance or nature's changing course untrimm'd; But thy eternal summer shall not fade Nor lose possession of that fair thou ow'st; Nor shall Death brag thou wander'st in his shade, When in eternal lines to time thou grow'st: So long as men can breathe or eyes can see, So long lives this, and this gives life to thee. 

The Elizabethan World PictureThe Elizabethan World Picture Elizabethans saw the Elizabethans saw the

world as a vast, world as a vast, unified, hierarchical unified, hierarchical order, or "Great Chain order, or "Great Chain of Being," created by of Being," created by God.God.

Every existing being, Every existing being, or thing, was ranked or thing, was ranked within a category on within a category on the chain.the chain.

Categories were Categories were ranked by the ranked by the attributes of their attributes of their members, from the members, from the lowest group – all lowest group – all matter and no spirit – matter and no spirit – the highest group – all the highest group – all spirit and no matter.spirit and no matter.

(Keach, Richetti, and Robbins 139)(Keach, Richetti, and Robbins 139)

Inanimate things were at Inanimate things were at the bottom. the bottom.

Above were plants and Above were plants and animal kingdoms. animal kingdoms.

Human beings were at Human beings were at the midpoint of the the midpoint of the chain. Having souls and chain. Having souls and free will, they could free will, they could choose to strive for the choose to strive for the holiness of the spirit holiness of the spirit world or fall into world or fall into depravity (animallike).depravity (animallike).

The realm of God and the The realm of God and the angels was the dwelling angels was the dwelling of purely spiritual beings. of purely spiritual beings.

(Keach, Richetti, and Robbins 139)(Keach, Richetti, and Robbins 139)

Each group had its own place in the chain and Each group had its own place in the chain and each member a place in that group.each member a place in that group. The lion was the highest ranking member of the The lion was the highest ranking member of the

animal kingdom, the oyster was the lowest.animal kingdom, the oyster was the lowest. Metals ranged from gold to lead.Metals ranged from gold to lead. The plant kingdom was headed by the rose.The plant kingdom was headed by the rose.

Each member of a group corresponded with the Each member of a group corresponded with the same-ranking members of other groups: gold same-ranking members of other groups: gold (most valuable mineral) was equal to an oak (first (most valuable mineral) was equal to an oak (first among trees) which was like the sun (first among among trees) which was like the sun (first among stars). The lion (first among animals) could stars). The lion (first among animals) could represent a king or queen (head of a nation) who represent a king or queen (head of a nation) who could embody a rose (first among flowers) and could embody a rose (first among flowers) and that rose could symbolize God.that rose could symbolize God.

Elizabethan writers chose from a wealth of Elizabethan writers chose from a wealth of symbolic relationships, references, and allusionssymbolic relationships, references, and allusions..

The Elizabethan World Picture provided a The Elizabethan World Picture provided a language full of images, metaphors, and language full of images, metaphors, and analogiesanalogies..

(Keach, Richetti, and Robbins 139)(Keach, Richetti, and Robbins 139)

The Jacobean Era (1603-1625)The Jacobean Era (1603-1625) When Elizabeth I died in 1603, the Tudor When Elizabeth I died in 1603, the Tudor

dynasty came to an end. dynasty came to an end. James Stuart, already King of Scotland, ruled James Stuart, already King of Scotland, ruled

England and Scotland together until 1625.England and Scotland together until 1625. His reign is known as the Jacobean Era (the His reign is known as the Jacobean Era (the

Latin form of the name James).Latin form of the name James). His reign was one of deep religious and His reign was one of deep religious and

political unrest in England.political unrest in England. In the early part of the seventeenth century, In the early part of the seventeenth century,

philosophical and intellectual changes were philosophical and intellectual changes were starting to undermine faith in the older starting to undermine faith in the older Elizabethan world view.Elizabethan world view.

Copernicus (1473-1543) and Galileo (1564-Copernicus (1473-1543) and Galileo (1564-1642) had argued that the sun, and not the 1642) had argued that the sun, and not the earth, was at the centre of the universe and earth, was at the centre of the universe and that there may be many more worlds than that there may be many more worlds than earth.earth.

This and other scientific investigations called This and other scientific investigations called into question the basis of the hierarchical into question the basis of the hierarchical universe. Most people rejected the new universe. Most people rejected the new discoveries but a new age of scientific discoveries but a new age of scientific thought was dawning thought was dawning (Keach, Richetti, and (Keach, Richetti, and Robbins 141-142).Robbins 141-142).

Civil War in EnglandCivil War in England James I's son, Charles, ascended the throne in 1625 James I's son, Charles, ascended the throne in 1625

when the Puritan movement was growing.when the Puritan movement was growing. Puritans were strict Protestants who wished to “purify” Puritans were strict Protestants who wished to “purify”

the Church of England.the Church of England. Soon Charles, the head of the Church of England, Soon Charles, the head of the Church of England,

found himself in conflict with a House of Commons found himself in conflict with a House of Commons that was strongly Puritan.that was strongly Puritan.

Charles I tried to put a stop to organized religious Charles I tried to put a stop to organized religious protest but was opposed. protest but was opposed.

In Parliament, the House of Commons with-held In Parliament, the House of Commons with-held funds needed for the functions of government. funds needed for the functions of government.

Parliament grew too strong and voted on reforms of Parliament grew too strong and voted on reforms of church and state.church and state.

Charles I left London to establish his own army and Charles I left London to establish his own army and regain power. regain power.

In August of 1642, civil war broke out.In August of 1642, civil war broke out. The King's supporters were no match for the military of The King's supporters were no match for the military of

the Parliament made up primarily of Puritans and the Parliament made up primarily of Puritans and headed by Oliver Cromwell.headed by Oliver Cromwell.

King Charles' army was defeated; he was imprisoned King Charles' army was defeated; he was imprisoned and executed in 1649. and executed in 1649. (Keach, Richetti, and Robbins 142-144).(Keach, Richetti, and Robbins 142-144).

The Protectorate and the RestorationThe Protectorate and the Restoration Oliver Cromwell took over power of Oliver Cromwell took over power of

the government in was he called the government in was he called the Protectorate (1653-1658) the Protectorate (1653-1658) which was a military dictatorship which was a military dictatorship and did not last long.and did not last long.

Cromwell died in 1658 and by Cromwell died in 1658 and by 1660 the English people had had 1660 the English people had had enough of harsh Puritan rule, so enough of harsh Puritan rule, so they set up contacts with Charles II they set up contacts with Charles II who had set up a government who had set up a government while in exile in Paris (1660-1685).while in exile in Paris (1660-1685).

Charles II returned in what is Charles II returned in what is called the "Restoration" of the called the "Restoration" of the monarchy. A new Parliament was monarchy. A new Parliament was elected and England returned to its elected and England returned to its former style of government.former style of government.

(Keach, Richetti, and Robbins(Keach, Richetti, and Robbins 144)144)

Seventeenth century writers built on and Seventeenth century writers built on and extended the developments of extended the developments of Elizabethan literature but were Elizabethan literature but were confronted with conflicting values and confronted with conflicting values and expressions.expressions.

The poetry of the 17The poetry of the 17thth century had two century had two main styles:main styles: "Metaphysical Poets""Metaphysical Poets" was a term used was a term used

to refer to writers who used extended, to refer to writers who used extended, intellectualized images drawn from intellectualized images drawn from philosophy or metaphysics. philosophy or metaphysics.

Metaphysical poetry extended the Metaphysical poetry extended the Elizabethan love of intricate verbal Elizabethan love of intricate verbal artifice and feeling for dramatic voice artifice and feeling for dramatic voice and situation.and situation.

It is more argumentative in tone; its It is more argumentative in tone; its language is more colloquial; its meter language is more colloquial; its meter is varied, irregular, and harsh. is varied, irregular, and harsh.

Overall, its content and form reflects Overall, its content and form reflects the strain and disruption of the 17the strain and disruption of the 17thth century.century.

A famous metaphysical poet is John A famous metaphysical poet is John Donne.Donne.

(Keach, Richetti, and Robbins 145-146)(Keach, Richetti, and Robbins 145-146)

Literature in a Century of Change and UncertaintyLiterature in a Century of Change and Uncertainty

The second main style of poetry The second main style of poetry in the 17in the 17thth century is known as century is known as

““Classical and Conservative”Classical and Conservative” PoetryPoetry..

This poetry was based on This poetry was based on discipline and restraint of reason, discipline and restraint of reason, on classical form, and on fine on classical form, and on fine craftsmanship. Ben Jonson wrote craftsmanship. Ben Jonson wrote in the style.in the style.

A group of poets known as the A group of poets known as the “Cavalier” poets composed light, “Cavalier” poets composed light, witty, and elegant verse that still witty, and elegant verse that still retained an emphasis on fineness retained an emphasis on fineness and precision of form. Among and precision of form. Among these poets are Robert Herrick, these poets are Robert Herrick, John Suckling, and Richard John Suckling, and Richard Lovelace.Lovelace.

(Keach, Richetti, and Robbins 145-(Keach, Richetti, and Robbins 145-146)146)

Poetic Conventions, Modes, and GenresPoetic Conventions, Modes, and Genresof the Renaissanceof the Renaissance

Literary conventions are patterns of writing that have become habitual. Literary conventions are patterns of writing that have become habitual. Renaissance poets used well-known patterns or modes of writing to convey Renaissance poets used well-known patterns or modes of writing to convey their ideas and to arouse certain expectations in the reader. their ideas and to arouse certain expectations in the reader.

The Pastoral Mode The Pastoral Mode The conventions of the pastoral mode present a simple and idealized world of The conventions of the pastoral mode present a simple and idealized world of

shepherds and shepherdesses who are interested in tending their flocks, falling shepherds and shepherdesses who are interested in tending their flocks, falling in love, and poetry. The values of this mode are leisure and contentment with in love, and poetry. The values of this mode are leisure and contentment with the simple country life.the simple country life.

The Satirical ModeThe Satirical Mode This mode of writing ridicules the flaws of society such as greed and corruption.This mode of writing ridicules the flaws of society such as greed and corruption.

The Lyric ModeThe Lyric Mode Concerned with praise, love, celebration of nature and the good life. Specific Concerned with praise, love, celebration of nature and the good life. Specific

genres within this mode include hymns, odes, ballads, and sonnets.genres within this mode include hymns, odes, ballads, and sonnets. Sonnets were among the most popular lyric poems and often explored love’s Sonnets were among the most popular lyric poems and often explored love’s

beauty and cruelty, the eternity of the written word, and religious devotion.beauty and cruelty, the eternity of the written word, and religious devotion.

(Abrams 251-253)(Abrams 251-253)

The Tragic ModeThe Tragic Mode Often written in a genre known as a “complaint”. The Often written in a genre known as a “complaint”. The

chief convention of the complaint is that of a ghost of chief convention of the complaint is that of a ghost of someone who has fallen from a high place, bemoans his someone who has fallen from a high place, bemoans his fate, and warns others; the warning carries a moral fate, and warns others; the warning carries a moral lesson.lesson.

The Erotic ModeThe Erotic Mode Includes lush and elaborate descriptions of physical Includes lush and elaborate descriptions of physical

beauty, delight in the pleasures of the senses, and frank beauty, delight in the pleasures of the senses, and frank eroticism.eroticism.

The Heroic ModeThe Heroic Mode Values honour, courage in battle, loyalty, leadership, Values honour, courage in battle, loyalty, leadership,

and endurance. Often involves the glorification of a and endurance. Often involves the glorification of a nation or people. The chief genre was the epic, a long nation or people. The chief genre was the epic, a long exalted poem written in a high style based on a heroic exalted poem written in a high style based on a heroic story from a nation’s distant history.story from a nation’s distant history.

(Abrams 253)(Abrams 253)

Works CitedWorks Cited

Abrams, M.H., ed. Abrams, M.H., ed. The Norton Anthology of English Literature. The Norton Anthology of English Literature. New York: New York: W.W. Norton & Company, 1987.Print.W.W. Norton & Company, 1987.Print.

"Elizabeth I Quotes." "Elizabeth I Quotes." Elizabeth RElizabeth R. Heather Thomas, 30 Jan 2010. Web. 18 . Heather Thomas, 30 Jan 2010. Web. 18 Mar 2010. <http://www.elizabethi.org/us/>. Mar 2010. <http://www.elizabethi.org/us/>.

Farzaneh, Arash. "Renaissance Humanism and the Human Perspective." Farzaneh, Arash. "Renaissance Humanism and the Human Perspective." suite101.comsuite101.com. N.p., 4 Jan 2009. Web. 17 Mar 2010. . N.p., 4 Jan 2009. Web. 17 Mar 2010. <http://weuropeanhistory.suite101.com/article.cfm/renaissance_human<http://weuropeanhistory.suite101.com/article.cfm/renaissance_humanism_and_the_human_perspective>.ism_and_the_human_perspective>.

Keach, William, John Richetti, and Bruce Robbins, eds. Keach, William, John Richetti, and Bruce Robbins, eds. Adventures in Adventures in English Literature. English Literature. Pegasus Edition. Orlando, FL: Harcourt Brace Pegasus Edition. Orlando, FL: Harcourt Brace Javanovich, Inc., 1989. Print. Javanovich, Inc., 1989. Print.

Kreis, Steven. "Lectures on Modern European Intellectual History: Kreis, Steven. "Lectures on Modern European Intellectual History: Renaissance Humanism." Renaissance Humanism." The History GuideThe History Guide. N.p., 7 Nov 2008. Web. 17 . N.p., 7 Nov 2008. Web. 17 Mar 2010. <http://www.historyguide.org/intellect/humanism.html>. Mar 2010. <http://www.historyguide.org/intellect/humanism.html>.