Renaissance Literature: A Journey Through European Masters

Renaissance Literature

Michel de Montaigne (1533-1592)

Montaigne's essays hold immense importance as they pioneered a fruitful literary genre. His introspective writing reflects his individuality, a hallmark of humanist thought, exploring the 'ego' in the context of human existence. Key characteristics of Montaigne's essays include their free-flowing form, incorporation of diverse topics, digressions, and use of quotations. The essay, as a genre, is typically concise in its treatment of a subject.

The Renaissance (Early 16th - Late 17th Century)

Key Features:

1. Resurgence of Platonic ideals of goodness, beauty, and art, representing a utopian ideal.
2. Focus on the theme of love, influenced by Petrarchism.
3. Influence of Aristotle's Poetics (tragedy and comedy).
4. Influence of Horace's Ars Poetica, emphasizing harmonious and comprehensive periods.
5. Idealization of nature and feelings.
6. A more positive approach to life.
7. Revival of epic and tragic forms.
8. Renewed interest in dialogue and prose.
9. Prominence of mythology.
10. Rise of the novella.
11. Contributions from new literary traditions.

Humanism

Renaissance scholars, notably Erasmus of Rotterdam, developed a prose style that embodied the new ideals of justice, tolerance, individualism, and knowledge. Erasmus's influence was instrumental in shaping Erasmism, a movement that sought to reconcile humanistic ideals with Christianity. Humanists studied and translated the Bible, fostering a reformist spirit.

Italian Literature

Niccolò Machiavelli (1469-1527)

Machiavelli, a Florentine statesman and diplomat, authored The Prince (1513), a highly influential treatise on political philosophy. This manual advises rulers on effective governance.

Spanish Literature

Garcilaso de la Vega (1501-1536)

Influenced by Italian poets, Garcilaso de la Vega employed the hendecasyllabic verse and forms like the lira, eclogue, and sonnet.

Fray Luis de León (1527-1591)

Known for his mystical poetry.

St. John of the Cross (1542-1591)

A major figure in mystical poetry.

French Literature

François Rabelais (1494-1553)

A physician and writer, Rabelais published Gargantua and Pantagruel, a series of five books exploring Renaissance ideals through the adventures of its titular characters.

Pierre de Ronsard (1524-1585)

A celebrated poet, Ronsard's Sonnets pour Hélène (1578) explores themes of carpe diem, nostalgic love, and Hellenistic influences.

Portuguese Literature

Luís Vaz de Camões (1524-1580)

Author of Os Lusíadas (1572), a Portuguese epic poem.