Important Writers and Renaissance Literature Flashcards
What was the Renaissance?
An evolutionary period for the people in Europe marked by new philosophies such as humanism.
What is humanism?
A philosophical concept that developed during the Renaissance, emphasizing the value of human beings and the study of classical texts.
Who wrote the Divine Comedy?
Dante Alighieri.
In what year was the Divine Comedy completed?
1321.
What literary form is the Divine Comedy?
A three-part epic poem.
What does the Divine Comedy represent?
The soul’s journey towards God.
What language was the Divine Comedy written in?
Italian.
What significant change does the use of Italian in the Divine Comedy signify?
The end of the Middle Ages and the rise of Renaissance humanism.
Who wrote The Praise of Folly?
Desiderius Erasmus.
In what year was The Praise of Folly published?
1509.
What does The Praise of Folly critique?
The practices of the Church and its political allies.
What role did The Praise of Folly play in history?
It played an important role in the beginnings of the Protestant Reformation.
Who is the author of The Prince?
Niccolo Machiavelli.
In what year was The Prince written?
1513.
What institution does The Prince criticize?
The government.
What controversial themes are presented in The Prince?
Politics and power through deceit, force, and careful calculation.
What justification does Machiavelli provide in The Prince?
The use of wrong actions to gain power if it leads to good outcomes.
What is considered the earliest work of modern political philosophy?
The Prince.
Who wrote Don Quixote?
Miguel de Cervantes.
In what year was Don Quixote published?
1612.
Why is Don Quixote significant in literature?
It is considered the first modern novel.
What theme does Don Quixote critique?
The impractical delusions of idealism and nobility.
Who is regarded as the greatest writer of the Renaissance?
William Shakespeare.
In what year was William Shakespeare born?
Around April 1564.
What are some of Shakespeare’s notable works?
- Romeo and Juliet
- Hamlet
- Macbeth
What genres did William Shakespeare work in?
Playwright, poet, and actor.
