RENAISSANCE AND HUMANIST PROSE
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At the end of the 15th century, English literature was influenced by the Renaissance, which originated in Italy and found its home at Oxford University from there it spread quickly because of the invention of the printing press. It was a period of great geographical discoveries and development in trade when the transition from feudalism to capitalism started. It was the: rediscovery of the ancient Roman and Greek cultures that stimulated a reaction against the medieval way of thinking and a revolt against the church's authority. Humanism represented the human endeavour to declare individual rights and spiritual freedoms.
The greatest English humanist, and also scientist, statesman and philosopher Sir Thomas More (1478-1535). His lectures made him very popular, he entered the King’s service and became Lord Chancellor to Henry VIII. But he resigned from the post in 1532 in protest against Henry's divorce from Catherine of Aragon. He was therefore imprisoned in the Tower of London and later beheaded. More's chief work is his Utopia, which he wrote for the young king, Henry VIII. This fiction gave More an opportunity to express his opposition to the existing political systems of France and England.
It was originally written in Latin, but translated into English in 1551 and it describes the best form of government in an ideal state, which is situated on an imaginary island called Utopia. In Utopia, everybody has the same rights, shares their possession and leads a happy life.
The reign of Queen Elizabeth I (1558-1603), was a period when English national literature and the modern English language were formed. All literature, but especially poetry and drama, were taken to a very high artistic level. Characteristic features of Elizabethan literature, in general, were the emphasis on emotions and fancy. In form, this literature was smooth, melodious and pleasant. The interest in the individual led to great development in lyrical verse, and new literary forms were adopted, one of which the most favoured was a sonnet. Edmund Spenser (1552-1599) was the first master of the new English language and his aim was to create purely English national poetry. Sir Philip Sidney (1554-1586), Spencer’s friend, put sonnet form on a very high artistic level.
William Shakespeare (1564-1616) would have been famous as one of the outstanding Renaissance poets even if he had never written a single play. His most beautiful examples of poetry are his sonnets, most of which tell of his affection for a young patron and of a dark beauty loved by the poet. Although the personal details of the sonnets remain a mystery, they are quite comprehensible
FAQS
What was prose in the Renaissance?
The prose is simply a form of spoken or written language that resembles the natural flow of speech. It isn't drama (although drama can be written in prose) and it's certainly not verse. It's usually works of non-fiction (such as historical chronicles, newspapers, essays etc.).
Who were the major prose writers of the 16th century?
11 Best 16th Century Authors: Discover Your Next Favorite Writer Today
Here Are The Best 16th Century Authors.
Sir Walter Raleigh, 1552 – 1618.
François Rabelais, 1483 – 1553.
Thomas Hobbes, 1588 – 1679.
Edmund Spenser, 1552 – 1599.
Sir Philip Sidney, 1554 – 1586.
John Donne, 1572 – 1631.
William Shakespeare, 1564 – 1616.
How did Renaissance affect English literature in the 16th century?
The influence of the Renaissance brought so many types of literary composition and there was found the introduction of sonnets and other lyrical poems. Renaissance also influenced non-fictional critical prose work in 16 century, as revealed in the work of Bacon, Sidney and others.
Was the 16th century the Renaissance?
Generally described as taking place from the 14th century to the 17th century, the Renaissance promoted the rediscovery of classical philosophy, literature and art.
Who were the two prose writers of the Renaissance period?
Uncover the fascinating, colourful lives of Renaissance writers including John Donne, Ben Jonson and Christopher Marlowe, and explore key features and themes in their groundbreaking plays and poetry.
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