English Renaissance Lit Overview Lecture

English Renaissance

A period in England from the late 15th to the early 17th century marked by a revival of classical learning, literature, and the arts.

Humanism

Emphasized the study of classical texts, human achievements, and the application of classical principles to works during the English Renaissance.

William Shakespeare

Renowned playwright and poet of the English Renaissance known for works like "Hamlet" and "Romeo and Juliet," who enriched the English language.

Christopher Marlowe

Playwright contemporary to Shakespeare, known for works like "Doctor Faustus" and exploring themes of ambition and power.

Ben Jonson

Playwright and poet of the Elizabethan era, known for satirical commentary in plays like "Volpone" and collaboration with Inigo Jones.

Edmund Spenser

Poet famous for "The Faerie Queene," influencing later poets like John Milton and John Keats during the English Renaissance.

Sir Philip Sidney

Key figure in the Elizabethan literary Renaissance, known for works like "Astrophel and Stella" and defense of poetry in "An Apology for Poetry."

John Donne

Metaphysical poet associated with complex metaphors and exploration of emotions, whose religious fervor influenced his later works.

Thomas Wyatt

Poet who introduced the Italian sonnet form into English, influencing poets like Shakespeare and bridging medieval and Renaissance literature.

Sir Francis Bacon

English philosopher and statesman known for essays like "Of Studies" and "Of Truth," credited with laying the groundwork for the scientific method.