Medieval/Renaissance Flashcards
What was Dante’s most famous work?
The Divine Comedy
What are some themes of the Divine Comedy?
Moral neutrality is worse than being wrong, virtue within reason (balance)
Why is Dante going on a journey in the Divine Comedy?
He is on a purgatory journey to reach heaven
What language is the divine comedy and the Decameron written in and why?
Vernacular, it’s more inclusive
What is a city-state?
A city with weak central authority (usually a bishop)
Why did city-states become communes?
Larger population, political activism, demand for reform, and economic growth
What are some social aspects of the communes?
Role of bishop decreased, high rates of land ownership, popolo (common folk) vs nobles
What is a palazzo?
Large, governmental building, indicates wide representation and is welcoming, area to address public
What is a piazza?
A public space or marketplace, center of the community
Who wrote the Decameron?
Boccaccio
What was the Decameron?
10 stories over 10 days
What purpose did the Decameron serve?
Entertainment/distraction during the plague, women as primary audience
What were some themes in the Decameron?
Winners are clever, opportunistic, god protects the innocent
Who are the three crowns?
Dante, Boccaccio, and Petratch
Who coined the term “Renaissance”?
Michelet