The Renaissance: Cultural Transformation & Lasting Impact

The Renaissance: A Cultural Transformation

The Renaissance is a cultural movement covering all aspects of human activity. It originated in the mid-14th century in the cities of northern Italy and from there spread throughout Europe, where it developed in the 16th century.

Key Characteristics

Its features are the result of social and ideological transformation based on two pillars:

• The imitation of classical models.
• The application of the principles of Humanism.

Admiration for the classics, including their imitation, and the defense of Latin, led to a concern for national languages, considered the most natural expression. Additionally, Latin became the language of culture. The Renaissance attached importance to humanistic studies. This interest in classical antiquity, combined with a concern for the development of science and the study of nature, defined the Renaissance.

Precursors of the Renaissance

• Dante Alighieri: Author of The Divine Comedy.
• Francesco Petrarca: Renowned poet and humanist.
• Giovanni Boccaccio: Prose writer and author of The Decameron.

The Renaissance in Spain

In Spain, the Renaissance appeared with its own characteristics, allowing traditional religious views to coexist with a new evaluation of the world, and national elements with new European currents. Peculiar features emerged during:

• The reign of Charles I of Spain (and V of Germany).
• The reign of Philip II.

Stages of the Spanish Renaissance

1. First Renaissance (Time of Charles I): First half of the 16th century. This period saw the reception of European influences. (Key figure: Garcilaso de la Vega)
2. Second Renaissance (Age of Philip II): Second half of the 16th century. This period emphasized religious and national themes. (Key figure: Fray Luis de León)

Renaissance Metrics

The hendecasyllable, known for its rhythmic flexibility, was highly appropriate for expressing lyrical themes. It was introduced by Juan Boscán and Garcilaso de la Vega.

Stanza Forms

• Triplets
• Quatrains
• Liras
• Estancias (Stays)
• Octaves

The Petrarchan sonnet and the canción (song form, consisting of a variable number of stanzas where the rhyme scheme of the first stanza was replicated throughout the rest) were prominent.

Literary Subgenres

• Eclogues: Compositions in which the poet expresses their sentiments.
• Ode: A high-toned lyric covering a variety of themes and issues.
• Epistle: Addressing doctrinal issues.
• Elegy: Expressing feelings in response to a painful circumstance.

Stylistic Devices

• Hyperbaton
• Metaphor
• Epithet