CH 8: Introduction to Renaissance Literature: Characterizing Authors and Works

Question 1

The Renaissance

Answer 1

• “rebirth” / “revival”
• western literature kicks into high gear
• intro of the printing press - mass-produce written works / more literate culture
• life of relative peace and safety for the first time in a long time
• novels weren’t a thing yet

Question 2

Dramatists

Answer 2

• Shakespeare: premiere dramatist of english language today / the very forefront of english renaissance
• Christopher Marlowe: precursor to shakespeare and big influence for him / figure of controversy / “the tragical history of the life and death of dr. faustus”
• Ben Jonson: superb sculptor of precise plays / “volpone” / “the alchemist”

Question 3

Poets

Answer 3

• Edmund Spenser: epic allegorical play - “the faerie queen”

- John Donne: head of metaphysical poetry movement / clever conceits philosophical and spiritual in nature

Question 4

Essayists / Major thinkers

Answer 4

• Philip Sidney: “the defense of poesy” - defense of the fictional arts / first example of literary criticism in english language
• Francis Bacon: empiricism ~ logical, verifiable way to conduct scientific research / established all of the modern sciences as we know them