The Renaissance
NOTE: This is a landing page with general information about the Renaissance. Please use the drop-down in the menu above for specific links to the Hamlet unit.
The Rebirth
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Overview
The Renaissance has long been regarded as a fascinating period in history as well as literature. The “re-birth” of classical learning from ancient Greece, Rome, and the Near East, the invention of the printing press, the Reformation — all of these discoveries, rediscoveries, innovations, and intellectual revolutions led to an “information explosion” that utterly changed the world from the medieval system into a system we can recognize as fully modern. The literature from this period reflects a growing optimism, a belief in the humanist doctrine that “man is the measure of all things,” but is often tempered with a sense that life is fleeting and often precarious. The English Renaissance also saw the emergence of its most celebrated poet and playwright, William Shakespeare, whose works are considered the greatest in English literature. |
Background Reading
NOTE: Readings are mandatory unless specifically marked “Optional.” They are given to help you understand the course material. If you’re having a hard time understanding something, the optional materials can often be very helpful to you. If you have suggestions for optional material you would like to see on this page, please email me at [email protected] with your suggestions. |
Textbook Reading Assignments
Outline or take textual notes on all textbook information that you are asked to read. I will give occasional open-note quizzes, so taking notes will definitely help your understanding. Please note that all reading assignments, unless otherwise specified, refer to your text, The Language of Literature.
Tudor History Site (Optional) This history site is very helpful! They have pages on Tudor England, Henry VIII, and basically any other history topic you can name. |
Literature Readings
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The Poetry of Wyatt, Marlowe, and Raleigh
Wyatt
Marlowe
The Poetry of Raleigh
The Poetry of Herrick and Marvell
Herrick
Marvell
The Poetry of Shakespeare
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Discussion Questions
NOTE: Below are questions we will most likely be addressing in class. These are put here for your convenience and reflection. It would be helpful to you for you to review these questions and think about how you would answer them before we discuss these works together. |
Assorted Questions for English Renaissance Poetry
“The Passionate Shepherd” and “The Nymph’s Reply”
“To His Coy Mistress”* NOTE: Good lessons and classroom activities for “Coy Mistress” here: http://edsitement.neh.gov/view_lesson_plan.asp?id=631
* Questions taken or adapted from this site: http://www.cummingsstudyguides.net/Guides4/Marvell.html or this site: http://edsitement.neh.gov/view_lesson_plan.asp?id=631 |
Possible Assessments and Assignments
Note: These are possible assignments and assessments that may be given during this unit. They are placed here for your convenience and review if you would like to see a typical assessment for this course. |
Close Reading of a Shakespearean Sonnet
Fun With Sonnets*
Since we are reading several sonnets, it would would be helpful to get a feel for the manner in which they are written. Choose ONE set of words that end a Shakespearean sonnet and compose a sonnet (in iambic pentameter, of course) in which the lines end with the words below — in the order given. Please make sure that there are logical, sensible connections between the words so that the lines don’t read like a disconnected, random collection of isolated ideas. * NOTE: This is an exercise we will do in class. It is put here for your convenience and reflection. Adapted from a similar exercise in Western Wind: An Introduction to Poetry (4th Ed.), by John Frederick Nims. |
Renaissance Resources for the Media-Minded
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Optional Resources
Sonnets
"To His Coy Mistress" / "Passionate Shepherd"
The European Renaissance
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Written Assignments
NOTE: The following are possible writing assignments for this unit. Any writing assignment will be given and explained in class. In other words, please do not do these assignments unless you’re specifically asked to do so. They are put here for your convenience and reference if you're absent or missing the handout. |
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Media Resources
Note: These are here to help you understand concepts or texts, but they are optional unless specifically assigned. |
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