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The Renaissance

A period of rebirth and revival of the Classical Civilization that began in Italy in the mid-14th century and spread throughout Europe, characterized by changes in areas of human thought and activity such as politics, culture, economics, intellect, and science.

Printing with moveable type

Invention by Johann Gutenberg that spread Renaissance writers and lowered the cost of education, leading to increased literacy.

Classicism

The admiration and imitation of the civilization of the Classical Age, particularly ancient Greece and Rome, which served as models for the Renaissance.

Secularism

The change in attitude toward life from the medieval to modern period, shifting from a focus on preparing for the afterlife to a greater emphasis on enjoying life in the present.

Individualism

The glorification of individual man, in contrast to the medieval emphasis on group identity and occupation. Renaissance artists and scholars began signing their work and developing individual styles.

Humanism

Enthusiasm for the culture, art, and literature of ancient Greece and Rome. Initially focused on the search for and study of ancient manuscripts, humanism broadened to emphasize the study of humanity and man's relationship to God.

Rationalism

A new trust in the individual abilities of the mind to discover new knowledge. Renaissance humanists developed a questioning attitude, emphasizing free inquiry and experimentation, in contrast to the medieval reliance on faith, authority, and tradition.

Realism

The effort to portray life in its real, not ideal, sense. Renaissance artists used techniques such as perspective and chiaroscuro to show realistic scenes of life, and writers depicted genuine emotions in their works.

Italian Renaissance literature

Literature during the Renaissance that exhibited characteristics of classicism, humanism, secularism, individualism, and rationalism. Leading contributors include Dante, Petrarch, Boccaccio, and Machiavelli.

Northern Renaissance literature

Literature during the Renaissance in Northern Europe, which ran in conjunction with the Reformation. It emphasized individualism, humanism, and rationalism, and had a greater interest in studying ancient Greek