English Renaissance History and Literary Context

Renaissance Origins and Key Concepts

The Renaissance, meaning "rebirth," represented a recovery and renewal of interest in texts from Ancient Greek and Roman culture. This movement started in Italy during the 14th century.

The Shift from Medieval to Modern

This was an era of discovery and questioning. Key milestones include:

• 1492: Arrival of Europeans in America.
• Scientific advancements: Theories by Copernicus and Galileo.
• Humanist thought: Erasmus.

The period marked a transition from the medieval period, focused on the Church and God, to the Renaissance focus on Reason and Man.

The Renaissance in England (1485–1660)

The English Renaissance began in 1485 with the end of the War of the Roses and the start of the Tudor period.

The Tudor Dynasty

Henry VII (1485–1509)

Henry VII was an extravagant spender with an instinctive mistrust of anyone with political influence. He maintained ruthless financial control of his realm.

Henry VIII (1509–1547)

His reign featured a hedonistic court culture and belligerent foreign policies. It was a time of religious ferment leading to the Reformation. Politics were largely ruled by advisers such as Thomas More and Thomas Cromwell.

The Mid-Tudors

• Edward VI (1547–1553)
• Lady Jane Grey (1553)
• Mary Tudor (1553–1558)

The Golden Age of Elizabeth I (1558–1603)

Elizabeth I, the daughter of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, reigned for 45 years. Known as "The Virgin Queen" and "Gloriana," she inherited an exhausted and weakened nation and faced the need to reunite the country.

Key aspects of her reign include:

• Territorial expansionism and serving as a female figure in a male-dominated world.
• The challenge of having no children and no clear heir to the throne.
• Constant threats and rebellions, including Protestant extremists (Puritans), Catholic dissent, and the Essex Rebellion (1601).
• The Spanish Armada (1588): A moment of national and religious glory, leading to growth in wealth and England's political relevance.

Further information: Elizabeth (1998), The Golden Age (2007), Elizabeth (2006 miniseries).

The Early Stuarts: James I (1603–1625)

James I ended the war with Spain in 1604. While his reign saw colonial and commercial expansion, it was also marked by financial difficulties, social and religious tensions, authoritarian political attitudes, and general dissatisfaction.

Society, Politics, and Religion in Tudor England

Economic and Social Transitions

England moved from feudalism to early capitalism. The social elite began buying private estates, and there was a significant growth in urban societies where entertainment, training, and education were on offer. However, this era also faced issues of poverty and crime.

The Royal Court and Political Life

Politics followed a patriarchal structure with the Court as the central place for politics. Key concepts included "royal favorites" and "the good courtier," influenced by Erasmus's Education of a Christian Prince (1516).

The Court served as the area for:

• Political decision-making and ceremonial events.
• Literary production and entertainment.
• Rivalry among favorites.

The English Reformation and Religious Crisis

• 1485: England was a Catholic country.
• 1517: Martin Luther's 95 Theses.
• 1533: Henry VIII's secret marriage to Anne Boleyn, marking the beginning of the religious crisis in England.