The Renaissance Period and Biographies

The Renaissance period in British literature refers to the time period between the 16th and 17th
centuries when there was a revival of interest in the arts, sciences, and learning. This period saw
a significant shift in literary styles and themes, as well as the emergence of new forms of writing.

One of the most important aspects of the Renaissance period in British literature was the
introduction of humanism. Humanism emphasized the importance of human potential and
achievements, and this mindset influenced the themes and subjects explored in literature. Writers
began to focus on individualism, secularism, and a celebration of human reason and intellect.

The Renaissance period also witnessed a significant increase in the popularity of poetry. Sonnets,
in particular, became a popular form of expression during this time. The most famous poet of this
era is William Shakespeare, who wrote numerous sonnets and plays that continue to be
celebrated today.

In addition to poetry, drama also flourished during the Renaissance period. The Elizabethan era,
which was part of the Renaissance, saw the establishment of public theaters and the rise of
playwrights like Christopher Marlowe and Ben Jonson, alongside Shakespeare. These
playwrights brought new energy and creativity to the stage, and their works explored a wide
range of themes and emotions.

Prose writing also underwent significant changes during this period. The Renaissance saw the
development of prose fiction, with the publication of works like Thomas More's "Utopia" and
Philip Sidney's "Arcadia." These works explored political, social, and philosophical ideas
through storytelling.

Overall, the Renaissance period in British literature was a time of great innovation and creativity.
It marked a departure from medieval traditions and ushered in a new era of exploration and
experimentation in writing. The works produced during this time continue to be studied and
appreciated for their literary value and historical significance.
The seven characteristics of the Renaissance are:

1. Humanism: The Renaissance placed a strong emphasis on human potential and achievements,
celebrating intellect and individualism.

2. Secularism: The Renaissance marked a shift away from the dominant religious focus of the
Middle Ages, with a greater emphasis on worldly matters and a more secular outlook.

3. Individualism: The Renaissance celebrated the uniqueness and importance of the individual,
emphasizing personal achievements and talents.

4. Rationalism: The Renaissance valued reason and logic, promoting the use of human intellect
to understand and interpret the world.

5. Classicism: The Renaissance drew inspiration from the classical Greek and Roman cultures,
seeking to revive their art, literature, and philosophy.

6. Exploration and Discovery: The Renaissance witnessed a spirit of exploration and curiosity,
with increased voyages of discovery and a desire to expand knowledge and understanding of the
world.

7. Artistic and Intellectual Innovation: The Renaissance was a time of great creativity and
innovation in the arts, sciences, and learning, with new techniques, styles, and ideas emerging in
various fields.

Case Study Poets and their poems.

Christopher Marlowe and Thomas Wyatt were both influential Renaissance poets who
contributed to the literary and artistic innovations of the time.
Christopher Marlowe, born in 1564, was known for his dramatic works, particularly his plays
such as "Doctor Faustus" and "Tamburlaine the Great." Marlowe's works showcased the
intellectual and individualistic spirit of the Renaissance, exploring themes of ambition,
knowledge, and the human condition. His plays often featured complex characters and poetic
language, reflecting the influence of classical literature.

Thomas Wyatt, born in 1503, is considered one of the pioneers of English sonnet poetry. He
was known for his translations of Petrarch's sonnets and for popularizing the sonnet form in
English literature. Wyatt's poetry reflected the Renaissance emphasis on individualism and
personal expression, often exploring themes of love, desire, and the complexities of human
emotions. His work helped pave the way for the later development of the English sonnet tradition
by poets like William Shakespeare.

Both Marlowe and Wyatt contributed to the artistic and intellectual innovation of the
Renaissance through their unique poetic styles and exploration of human emotions and ideas.
Their works continue to be studied and appreciated as important contributions to Renaissance
literature.

Poems by Christopher Marlowe

1. The Passionate Shepherd to His Love

Come live with me and be my love,

And we will all the pleasures prove
That valleys, groves, hills, and fields,
Woods, or steepy mountain yields.
And we will sit upon rocks,
Seeing the shepherds feed their flocks,
By shallow rivers to whose falls
Melodious birds sing madrigals.
And I will make thee beds of roses
And a thousand fragrant poises,
A cap of flowers, and a kirtle
Embroidered all with leaves of myrtle;

A gown made of the finest wool

Which from our pretty lambs we pull;
Fair lined slippers for the cold,
With buckles of the purest gold;

A belt of straw and ivy buds,

With coral clasps and amber studs;
And if these pleasures may thee move,
Come live with me, and be my love.

The shepherds's swains shall dance and sing

For thy delight each May morning:
If these delights thy mind may move,
Then live with me and be my love.

2. Who Ever Loved That Loved Not At First Sight?

It lies not in our power to love or hate,

For will in us is overruled by fate.
When two are stripped, long ere the course begin,
We wish that one should love, the other win;

And one especially do we affect

Of two gold ingots, like in each respect:
The reason no man knows; let it suffice
What we behold is censured by our eyes.
Where both deliberate, the love is slight:
Who ever loved, that loved not at first sight?

3. The Face That Launch'd A Thousand Ships Poem

Was this the face that launch'd a thousand ships,

And burnt the topless towers of Ilium?
Sweet Helen, make me immortal with a kiss.
Her lips suck forth my soul: see where it flies!
Come, Helen, come, give me my soul again.
Here will I dwell, for heaven is in these lips,
And all is dross that is not Helena.
I will be Paris, and for love of thee,
Instead of Troy, shall Wittenberg be sack'd;
And I will combat with weak Menelaus,
And wear thy colours on my plumed crest;
Yea, I will wound Achilles in the heel,
And then return to Helen for a kiss.
O, thou art fairer than the evening air
Clad in the beauty of a thousand stars;
Brighter art thou than flaming Jupiter
When he appear'd to hapless Semele;
More lovely than the monarch of the sky
In wanton Arethusa's azur'd arms;
And none but thou shalt be my paramour!

4. Fragment Poem by Christopher Marlowe

I WALK'D along a stream, for pureness rare,
Brighter than sun-shine; for it did acquaint
The dullest sight with all the glorious prey
That in the pebble-paved channel lay.

No molten crystal, but a richer mine,

Even Nature's rarest alchymy ran there,--
Diamonds resolv'd, and substance more divine,
Through whose bright-gliding current might appear
A thousand naked nymphs, whose ivory shine,
Enamelling the banks, made them more dear
Than ever was that glorious palace' gate
Where the day-shining Sun in triumph sate.

Upon this brim the eglantine and rose,

The tamarisk, olive, and the almond tree,
As kind companions, in one union grows,
Folding their twining arms, as oft we see
Turtle-taught lovers either other close,
Lending to dulness feeling sympathy;
And as a costly valance o'er a bed,
So did their garland-tops the brook o'erspread.

Their leaves, that differ'd both in shape and show,

Though all were green, yet difference such in green,
Like to the checker'd bent of Iris' bow,
Prided the running main, as it had been—

5. Accurs'D Be He That First Invented War

Accurs'd be he that first invented war!
They knew not, ah, they knew not, simple men,
How those were hit by pelting cannon-shot
Stand staggering like a quivering aspen-leaf
Fearing the force of Boreas' boisterous blasts!
In what a lamentable case where I,
If nature had not given me wisdom's lore!
For kings are clouts that every man shoots at,
Our crown the pin that thousands seek to cleave:
Therefore in policy I think it good
To hide it close; a goodly stratagem,
And far from any man that is a fool:
So shall not I be known; or if I be,
They cannot take away my crown from me.
Here will I hide it in this simple hole.