Renaissance Humanism

Question 1

What was the renaissance period?

Answer 1

-lasted 15th C to mid 17th C
-a cultural movement which saw flourishing of Latin + Ancient Greek philosophies
-Shakespeare draws in renaissance ideas e.g. Greek + Roman classical writing in use of genre + references
-revival of classical learning + wisdom after long period of cultural decline

Question 2

What are the origins of renaissance humanism

Answer 2

-focussed on what it is to be human
-origins back to 14th C + by 15th C it had spread across Europe

Question 3

What did humanists believe?

Answer 3

-the importance of an education in classical literature
-the promotion of civic virtue that is realising a persons full potential both for their own good + good of society they live
-study of humanity should be priority as opposed to religious matters

Question 4

What are the main elements of renaissance humanism?

Answer 4

-interest in eloquent use of Latin + philosophy
-promotion of private + civic virtue
-rejection of scholasticism
-encouragement of non-religious studies
-emph on the individual + their moral autonomy
-interest in question ‘what does it mean to be human?’

Question 5

What was Shakespeare like as a renaissance humanist?

Answer 5

-he was the ultimate product of renaissance humanism
-was an artist with deep understanding of humanity + an uncanny ability for self-expression
-openly practice + celebrated the ideals of intellectual freedom
-he imbued the human spirit in his literary works