The Renaissance period in literature spanned roughly from the 14th to the 17th century in Europe and was characterized by a renewed interest in classical literature, as well as a focus on humanism, individualism, and secularism. The following is a detailed history of Renaissance literature.
Early Renaissance (14th-15th Century)
The Early Renaissance period saw a revival of interest in classical literature and art, as well as an emergence of a new literary style characterized by a focus on humanism and the individual. In Italy, the father of the Early Renaissance was Francesco Petrarca, better known as Petrarch, who is credited with inventing the sonnet form of poetry. Petrarch's work was characterized by a focus on individual emotions and experiences, and he often wrote about love and beauty.
Another important figure of the Early Renaissance was Dante Alighieri, who is best known for his epic poem, the Divine Comedy. Written in the early 14th century, the Divine Comedy is a journey through the afterlife, and it is notable for its use of vernacular Italian instead of Latin.
The Early Renaissance also saw the emergence of humanist literature, which was characterized by a focus on the human experience and the development of the individual. One of the most famous humanist writers of the time was Giovanni Boccaccio, who is best known for his Decameron, a collection of 100 stories that explore themes of love, sex, and human nature.
High Renaissance (16th Century)
The High Renaissance period is often considered the height of the Renaissance in literature and art, and it was characterized by a focus on classical ideas and the development of new literary genres. In Italy, the High Renaissance saw the emergence of the epic poem, with Torquato Tasso's Jerusalem Delivered and Ludovico Ariosto's Orlando Furioso being two of the most notable works of the time.
The High Renaissance also saw the emergence of the essay as a literary genre, with Michel de Montaigne's Essays being one of the most famous examples. Montaigne's work was characterized by a focus on individual experience and reflection, and his essays often explored philosophical and moral issues.
In England, the High Renaissance period saw the emergence of the sonnet form of poetry, with William Shakespeare and Edmund Spenser being two of the most famous sonnet writers of the time. Shakespeare's sonnets, in particular, are notable for their exploration of themes of love, beauty, and the human experience.
Late Renaissance (17th Century)
The Late Renaissance period saw a decline in the Renaissance's influence on literature and art, and it was characterized by a focus on religious themes and the development of new literary genres. In Italy, the Late Renaissance saw the emergence of the opera, with Claudio Monteverdi's Orfeo being one of the most famous examples.
In England, the Late Renaissance saw the emergence of the metaphysical poets, a group of writers who were characterized by their use of complex metaphors and the exploration of philosophical and religious themes. John Donne and George Herbert are two of the most famous metaphysical poets of the time.
Conclusion
The Renaissance period in literature was characterized by a renewed interest in classical literature, as well as a focus on humanism, individualism, and secularism. The period saw the emergence of new literary genres, such as the sonnet, epic poem, and essay, as well as the development of new themes and ideas. The Renaissance's influence on literature and art continued to be felt long after the period ended, and its impact can still be seen in modern literature and art.