History of English Literature in

Renaissance Era
By: Muhammad Hisyam Alfalaq (1930104039)
 Society Background

• Renaissance Period: 1550–1660

• “Renaissance” is more often known as rebirth
• The Renaissance began in Florence, Italy, a culturally rich city where the nobles were willing and
able to support budding artists.
• Rationalism, which requires an explanation in fact, develops and opposes many of the ideas in
church teachings
• The rising desire of the kings to rule the country without the interference of the church
• The upper middle class or the bourgeoisie rise up and they open the minds of the people
• Humanism groups who use ancient Greek and Roman literature as the foundation of civilization rise
up and influence society
• The conquest of Constantinople by the Turks made the Constantinople scholars flee by bringing
ancient Greek and Roman documents to European countries
• The feudal tax system that burdened society eroded over time and became an important factor in
the rise of reinassans.
 English Literature Background

• Literary works in Britain at the era were included in the category of “Renaissance
Literature”
• renaissance literature is secular.
• There are several characteristics of literary works in the Renaissance era: Telling
stories about INDIVIDUALITY, DEATH, and MORALITY.
 English Literature Figures in Renaissance Era

1. Sir Thomas Wyatt

Sir Thomas Wyatt was known as a figure at the century. Most of the poems he
produced were about love. an example of the work of Sir Thomas Wyatt in 1526 is
the sonnet entitled ‘Whoso list to hunt’
2. William Shakespeare
He coined many of the words that are still commonly used in English today
(including Bedazzled, which is perhaps his greatest achievement), he coined many of
the phrases and idioms we still use today.
 English Literature Figures in Renaissance Era

3. Thomas More
Thomas More was a renowned British lawyer, social philosopher, writer,
statesman and humanist. He was also a member of the advisory council of King
Henry VIII, and Lord High Chancellor of England from October 1529 to May 16, 1532.
He was the author of the book Utopia, published in 1516, on the political system of
an ideal imaginary island nation.
4. Miguel de Cercvantes Saavedra
Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra was a Spanish writer widely regarded as the
greatest writer in the Spanish language and one of the world's pre-eminent novelists.
He is best known for his novel Don Quixote, a work often cited as both the first
modern novel and one of the pinnacles of world literature.
 The Example of English Literature in
Renaissance Era

• Romeo dan Juliet (William Shakespeare)

This tragedy of two young lovers is one of Shakespeare's most popular works, and together with
Hamlet one of the most performed. Today, their characters Romeo and Juliet are considered the
archetypes of young lovers.

• Hamlet (William Shakespeare)
This is about Prince Hamlet and his revenge against his uncle Claudius, who was accused of
murdering Hamlet's father.
Hamlet was the most extensive work of British writers and one of the most influential. It was
also popular during Shakespeare's life and is one of the most represented in theater history. In
addition, it is one of the most cited works and critics often rank it among the greatest literary
works in history.
 The Example of English Literature in
Renaissance Era

• Utopia (Tomás Moro)
The book was published in Latin in 1516 and tells a story centered on a
fictional society living on an island. The word "utopia" is of Greek origin and
means "no place" or "place".

• Don Quixote (Miguel de Cervantes)

An account of the adventures of Don Quitoe and Sancho Panza. The former,
from a considerable age, has delusions, is considered a gentleman and embarks
on an adventure that leads him to face imaginary rivals, such as the windmill.