第三章-1：文艺复兴.ppt

English Literature of the Renaissance (1485—early 17th century) From Tudor Monarch to Elizabeth Age (Drama, poetry and prose) Background Information Renaissance in Europe (14th — mid 17th century): The word “Renaissance” means revival, specifically in this period of history, revival of interest in ancient Roman and Greek culture. Renaissance, therefore, in essence, was a historical period in which the European humanist thinkers and scholars made attempts to get rid of conservatism in feudalist Europe and introduce new ideas that expressed the interests of the rising bourgeoisie, to lift the restrictions in all areas placed by the Roman church authorities. Renaissance started in Florence and Venice with the flowering of paintings, sculpture and architecture. From Italy the movement went to embrace the rest of Europe. In different countries, however, the movement occurred in different periods with different emphasis. Whereas the impact with Italy was most strongly felt in fine arts, in France it was literature and in England it was philosophy and drama. Background Information At the heart of the Renaissance philosophy was the assertion of the greatness of man. This is best summarized in the lines of Shakespeare: What a piece of work is man; how noble in reason; how infinite in faculty, in form and moving how express and admirable; in action how like an angel; in apprehension how like a god! Humanism: Humanism is the key-note of the Renaissance. These progressive writers, at their best voiced the human aspirations for freedom and equality and against the tyranny of feudal rule and religious persecution. They welcomed the political centralization as it brought forth the flourish of Great Britain, but their role as humanist made them paradoxically against the political oppressions. The humanists believe that men could achieve wonders through their own efforts. They challenged old church dogmas and religious