The Renaissance (1485-1625)

Renaissance in England covers the period of 150 years after the discovery of America, from the youth of Sir Thomas More to the publication of Shakespeare’s collected plays in 1623. This period is also often called the Elizabethan Age. It was the time of the spread of printing and the exploration of the New World, also the time of Reformation. Absolute monarchy was established.

The term “renaissance” comes from the Italian word rinascimento meaning “rebirth”.

Sir Thomas More

1478-1535

Born in London. Studied Latin and Greek literature and theology. Wrote Latin epigrams for grammar-books, lectured publicly, wrote English verses both humorous and serious. Was chosen as Speaker for the House of Commons in 1523.

Wrote “Utopia” in 1515.

John Donne

1572-1631

Is known as a head of a group of poets called Metaphysical Poets.

Wrote poems: “Elegies”, highly sensual, and “Satires”, highly sarcastic.

His first published work “Pseudo-Martyr” earned an honorary M.A. at Oxford and the notice of King James I.

William Shakespeare

1564-1616

Was a writer and an actor.

In 1599 the Globe Theatre was built. Under the roof were three levels of galleries that surrounded a yard about 65-feet in diameter. The gallaries looked down on the stage