Renaissance and Restoration

Who was James VI and I?

James VI of Scotland and James I of England, he was the first monarch to rule both England and Scotland after the union of the crowns in 1603, promoting peace and the arts.

Who was Charles I?

King who believed in Divine Right; clashed with Parliament over religion, taxes, and power.

What was the “Personal Rule”?

Period when Charles I dissolved Parliament and ruled alone.

What were the Bishops Wars?

Conflicts over church structure (Anglican bishops v Scottish Presbyterian presbyters); forced Charles to recall parliament.

What caused the First English Civil War?

Tensions between King and parliament, Charles tired to arrest members leading to war between Royalists and Parliamentarians.

What happened in the second Civil War?

Charles was captured tried for treason and executed, the monarchy was abolished and the commonwealth established.

Who was Oliver Cromwell

Parliamentary general who became de facto ruler, led a Puritan government

What is a conceit?

An elaborate comparison between two very different things

What is a Petrarchan conceit?

Love described through paradox or exaggerated metaphor

Who was John Donne?

A prominent English poet known for his metaphysical poetry, which blends love, religion, and philosophy.

What is Donne’s writing style?

Uses metaphysical conceits (a blend of wit and complexity), conversational tone, mixes emotion and logic, often about love sex and faith.

Who was John Webster?

Jacobean playwright known for dark tragedies exploring corruptions and power (Duchess of Malfi)

What is the Duchess of Malfi about?

A tragic play that tells the story of a widowed duchess who secretly marries her steward, defying her brothers' authority, leading to her downfall and exploration of themes of power, corruption, and betrayal.

Key characters in The Duchess of Malfi?

Duchess: Strong, independent women. Ferdinand-her obsessive brother. Cardinal- her other brother, corrupt. Bosola- conflicted servant/spy.

Major Themes in Duchess of Malfi?

Corruption of power, gender and control over women, class conflict, moral decay

Why is the Bible important to Renaissance literature?

It shaped language, themes, and symbolism—especially the Book of Genesis.

Key ideas from Genesis?

Creation of the world, Adam and Eve, The Fall (original sin), Human disobedience

Who was John Milton?

Major poet of the 17th century; wrote during political upheaval.

What are Milton’s sonnets like?

Political and personal, Serious, moral tone, Reflect struggle, blindness, and faith

Key themes in Miltons Work?

Free will vs. authority, Religion and obedience, Justice and rebellion

Who was Hester Pulter?

 A lesserknown 17thcentury poet whose work reflects Civil War politics and personal loss.

Themes in Pulter’s poetry?

Royalist sympathy, Grief and isolation, Religion and science, Political turmoil

Who was Aphra Behn?

A pioneering 17th-century English playwright, poet, and novelist, Behn is one of the first women in English literature to earn a living through her writing. Her work often explores themes of gender, class, and sexuality.

Themes in Behn’s work?

Individual freedom, Gender roles, Class dynamics, Sexuality and desire, Political commentary

What defines the Renaissance in England?

Cultural revival inspired by classical antiquity, characterized by advancements in art, literature, and humanism, as well as the emergence of significant literary figures such as Shakespeare and Milton.

What defines the Restoration period?

Return of the monarchy under Charles II in 1660, characterized by a flourishing of the arts, drama, and literature, along with the establishment of the Royal Society and developments in scientific thought.

Why is The Duchess of Malfi significant?

Critiques corruption and patriarchy, One of the darkest Renaissance tragedies, Strong female protagonist

What is the Swetnam vs. Speght debate?

Joseph Swetnam attacks women, Rachel Speght defends women

How do you identify The Winter's Tale?

Romantic play by Shakespeare that explores themes of jealousy, redemption, and the passage of time, featuring elements of comedy and tragedy.

The Plot and Characters of a Winters Tale?

It centers around King Leontes' jealousy, leading to tragedy, loss, and ultimately redemption. Key characters include Leontes, Hermione, and their daughter Perdita.

How do you identify George Herbert?

Religious devotion, Simple language, complex structure, Poems shaped visually

 How do you identify Robert Filmer?

 Defends absolute monarchy, Patriarchal authority

How do you identify John Milton political prose?

He advocates for freedom of speech, religious tolerance, and critiques tyranny.

Who were the Diggers (Winstanley)?

 Radical group advocating shared land during the civil war

 How do you identify Milton’s sonnets?

Milton's sonnets explore themes of beauty, faith, and personal struggle, often reflecting his views on human experience and divine providence.

How do you identify Andrew Marvell?

Metaphysical poetry, rich imagery, and themes of love, politics, and the passage of time. Combination of wit and philosophy.

How do you identify Katherine Philips?

Themes of female friendship, love, and the challenges of women in society, often employing elegant language and classical references.