Renaissance and Beyond: Cultural Shifts and Literary Developments

These flashcards cover key concepts, figures, and literary elements discussed in the lecture, from the Renaissance period to postcolonialism and satire.

Renaissance

A cultural movement that marked a departure from the Middle Ages, signifying significant cultural change during the Early Modern Period.

Humanism

An intellectual movement focusing on the study of literature, art, and antique texts, emphasizing individualism and the importance of education.

Petrarch

An Italian scholar and poet known as the father of Renaissance Humanism, whose sonnets profoundly influenced literature.

Petrarchan Sonnet

A 14-line poem consisting of an octet followed by a sestet, following a specific rhyme scheme.

Stanza

A grouped set of lines in a poem, often marked by a consistent rhyme scheme, commonly found in poems.

Metaphysics

A branch of philosophy concerned with the nature of reality, being, and existence.

Syllogism

A logical argument where the conclusion is drawn from two premises.

Carpe Diem Poetry

A genre of poetry that emphasizes the idea of living in the present and making the most of current opportunities.

Hyperbole

A rhetorical device that involves exaggeration for emphasis or effect.

Satire

A genre of literature that uses humor, irony, or ridicule to criticize and expose the follies and vices of individuals or society.

Postcolonialism

A historical phase following colonialism where countries attempt to revive their culture and challenge stereotypes imposed during colonial rule.

Otherness

The perception of marginalized groups as fundamentally different from the dominant group, often leading to discrimination.

Imperialism

An ideology of extending a nation's rule over foreign nations or territories, often associated with colonial domination.

Common Themes in Metaphysical Poetry

Themes such as spirituality, philosophy, love, and intellectualism characterized by metaphysical conceits.

Juvenalian Satire

A form of bitter and harsh satire that criticizes societal issues and injustices.

Menippean Satire

A chaotic and often formless satire that mixes genres and ridicules both structure and subject matter.

Hegemony

The dominance of one group over others, often achieved by persuading the inferior group that their interests align with the dominant group's interests.

Subaltern

Groups in society who lack access to hegemonic power and are often marginalized or oppressed.

Printing Press

A 15th-century invention that revolutionized the spread of information and played a key role during the Renaissance.

Edward Said

A Palestinian-American literary theorist and critic, influential in founding the field of postcolonial studies, known for his work "Orientalism."

Allusion

A literary device that makes an indirect reference to a person, place, event, or literary work, often to enrich the meaning of the text.

Cultural Hybridity

The mixing of cultural elements from different origins, often seen in postcolonial societies where indigenous and colonial cultures interact.