English Renaissance (1500-1600)
1. Background
- Humanism is a Renaissance cultural movement that turned away from medieval scholasticism and revived interest in ancient Greek and Roman thought.
- Great Chain of Being is a hierarchal structure of life starting with God.
- Magic! James I had an obsession with magic and witches.
- Renaissance Man is a tem to describe "an outstandingly versatile, well-rounded person."
- 95 Theses is a list of 95 complaints criticizing the catholic church written by Martin Luther, led to the founding of the Lutheran Church.
2. Shakespeare
- Born in Stratford-on-Avon, England.
- Wrote for royalty: Queen Elizabeth and King James I.
- His plays were performed at The Globe Theater in London.
3. Sonnets
Shakespearean Sonnet
- Innovated by Earl of Surrey and his contemporaries, but readers named it after Shakespeare.
- Divided into three quatrains (4 line units) and one couplet.
- Rhyme Scheme: ABAB CDCD EFEF GG
Petrarchan Sonnet
- Crafted by Francesco Petrarch, 14th century Italian poet.
- First 8 lines (octave) final six lines (sestet.)
- Rhyme Scheme: ABBA ABBA CDECDE or CDCCDC
4. Macbeth
- A Classic tragedy is the downfall of a tragic hero.
- Characteristics: Hubris, over confident, a person of noble birth, struggles against fate.
- Plot: A tragedy of a Scottish general who gets a prophecy from a group of witches who say that he will become king. He takes advantage of his allies and betrays the people he loves and this leads to an ultimate downfall.
- Macbeth: Macbeth was written as a tribute to King James I
- Characters: Lady Macbeth, Macbeth, witches, Banquo, Macduff, Fleance, Doctor, Nurse
- Soliloquy: Character speaks their thoughts aloud when alone.
- Aside: Speech spoken to the audience.
- Monologue: a Long, uninterrupted speech.
- Paradox: Contradiction
- Themes: Betrayal can lead to downfall