SEMINAR 1.

HUMANISM & IDEAS OF RENAISSANCE IN BRITAIN

1. Social and political context.

Life during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I (1558–1603) was marked by significant social, political, and religious
changes.

Politics and International Affairs: Elizabeth ruled as a strong, pragmatic monarch, balancing power between
competing factions. England faced threats from Catholic powers like Spain, leading to the Spanish Armada’s
failed invasion in 1588. Diplomatically, Elizabeth used strategic alliances and avoided unnecessary wars,
maintaining relative stability.

Religious Beliefs: The Elizabethan era was shaped by the Protestant Reformation. Elizabeth established the
Church of England, balancing Protestant doctrine with some Catholic traditions to avoid major conflicts.
However, Catholics faced persecution, and religious tensions persisted.

Education and Universities: Education was mainly for the upper classes, with boys attending grammar
schools and universities like Oxford and Cambridge. The Renaissance influenced education, emphasizing the
humanities, Latin, and rhetoric. Girls from noble families were educated at home in languages, music, and
etiquette.

Attitudes to Women: Women had limited rights and were expected to marry, obey their husbands, and
manage households. Despite this, Elizabeth I defied expectations, ruling successfully and remaining unmarried
to maintain control over her reign.

Parent-Children Relations: Families were patriarchal, with strict discipline. Children were expected to respect
and obey their parents, and noble families often arranged marriages for political or economic gain. Harsh
punishments were common to instill obedience and social order.

2. Ideas of Humanism. How is Renaissance humanism different from contemporary humanism?

Renaissance humanism and contemporary humanism share a focus on human potential, critical thinking, and
individual dignity, but they differ in their philosophical foundations and goals.

Renaissance Humanism: Emerging in the 14th–16th centuries, Renaissance humanism emphasized a return
to classical Greek and Roman texts, promoting education, reason, and moral philosophy. It valued human
dignity within a Christian framework, seeing intellectual achievement as a way to honor God. Thinkers like
Petrarch and Erasmus encouraged civic responsibility, ethical leadership, and artistic expression.

Contemporary Humanism: Modern humanism, particularly secular humanism, is less religious and more
focused on science, reason, and human rights. It promotes ethical decision-making without reliance on divine
authority, emphasizing personal fulfillment, social justice, and democracy. While Renaissance humanists
sought harmony between faith and reason, contemporary humanists often reject religious influence in favor of
secular ethics.

Key Difference: Renaissance humanism was deeply tied to Christian ideals, while contemporary humanism is
often secular, prioritizing science and individual autonomy over religious traditions. However, both value
education, human dignity, and intellectual inquiry.
3. Literary achievements: drama.

Comment on the birth and development of Renaissance theater. What are its specific features in comparison
with the dramatic plays of the previous periods? What part did the theaters play in educating people at a time
when a majority of the population was illiterate?

Birth and Development of Renaissance Theater: Renaissance theater, particularly in England, flourished in
the late 16th and early 17th centuries, with playwrights like William Shakespeare, Christopher Marlowe, and
Ben Jonson shaping its evolution. It emerged from medieval mystery plays, morality plays, and classical
influences from Ancient Rome and Greece. The establishment of permanent theaters, such as The Globe and
The Rose, allowed for more elaborate productions and greater public engagement.

Specific Features Compared to Earlier Drama: Unlike medieval drama, which focused on religious themes
and allegorical morality plays, Renaissance theater explored complex human emotions, political intrigue, and
historical narratives. It introduced more realistic characters, intricate plots, and a mix of comedy and tragedy.
Blank verse (unrhymed iambic pentameter) became a dominant form, making dialogue more expressive and
natural.

Role in Educating the Illiterate Population: Since most of the population could not read, theater served as a
powerful educational tool. Plays conveyed moral lessons, historical knowledge, and political ideas in an
engaging way. Theatrical performances helped spread Renaissance ideals, encouraging critical thinking and
reflection on human nature and society.

4. W. Shakespeare’ life and works: important dates and events in Shakespeare's life.

Shakespeare's Alternative Story. Sonnets, comedies, tragedies, historical dramas. What are the specific
features of Shakespearean tragedies? comedies? First Folio Publication

Important Dates and Events in Shakespeare’s Life

​ •​ 1564 – Born in Stratford-upon-Avon, baptized on April 26.

​ •​ 1582 – Married Anne Hathaway at age 18.

​ •​ 1585–1592 – “Lost Years,” with little historical record of his activities.

​ •​ 1592 – First mention of Shakespeare as a playwright in a critical pamphlet by Robert Greene.

​ •​ 1594 – Became a key member of the Lord Chamberlain’s Men acting company.

​ •​ 1599 – The Globe Theatre was built.

​ •​ 1603 – Company renamed the King’s Men after James I took the throne.

​ •​ 1616 – Died on April 23, buried in Stratford.

Shakespeare’s Alternative Story: Some theories question whether Shakespeare wrote his works, suggesting
alternative authors like Francis Bacon, Christopher Marlowe, or Edward de Vere. However, most scholars
accept that William Shakespeare of Stratford was the true author.

Shakespeare’s Literary Works

​ •​ Comedies – Lighthearted plays with mistaken identities, clever wordplay, and happy endings (A
Midsummer Night’s Dream, Twelfth Night).

​ •​ Tragedies – Dark, intense dramas about flawed heroes facing downfall (Hamlet, Macbeth,
Othello).

​ •​ Historical Dramas – Plays based on English history, often glorifying or critiquing rulers (Henry V,
Richard III).

Features of Shakespearean Tragedies and Comedies

​ •​ Tragedies – Central tragic hero with a fatal flaw (hamartia), themes of fate, ambition, and
revenge, and a catastrophic ending.

​ •​ Comedies – Mistaken identities, witty dialogue, love conflicts, and a resolution that ends in
marriage or reconciliation.

First Folio Publication (1623): Seven years after Shakespeare’s death, his colleagues compiled 36 of his
plays into the First Folio, preserving many works that might have been lost. This collection is crucial to
Shakespeare’s literary legacy.

5. Epic:

Recall the features of the epic hero. What was important for the medieval reader/listener? Be as specific as
possible.

Features of the Epic Hero : An epic hero is a noble, larger-than-life character who embodies the values of
their society. In medieval literature, the epic hero often possesses:

​ •​ High Status and Noble Birth – Usually a king, knight, or warrior (e.g., Beowulf, King Arthur).

​ •​ Bravery and Strength – Exceptional physical and moral courage in battle.

​ •​ Honor and Loyalty – Devotion to their leader, kingdom, or a code of chivalry.

​ •​ Divine Favor or Destiny – Often guided by fate or supernatural forces.

​ •​ Heroic Deeds – Faces great dangers, overcomes monsters, or fights for justice.

What Was Important for the Medieval Reader/Listener?

​ •​ Moral Lessons – Epics reinforced values like courage, loyalty, and faith.

​ •​ Entertainment – Oral storytelling and poetry made history and legend engaging.

​ •​ Religious Themes – Heroes often embodied Christian virtues or divine justice.

​ •​ National Identity – Stories like The Song of Roland or Beowulf strengthened cultural pride and
unity.
​ •​ Chivalry and Warfare – Idealized warrior ethics reflected medieval society’s focus on battle and
honor.

6. Renaissance Heroes and Villains:

1. Think of the protagonists of the famous dramas of W. Shakespeare (Othello, Hamlet, Macbeth, King Lear,
etc.). Could you define them as heroes or villains? What makes these personalities positive/negative? Are the
villains ‘completely’ evil? Can some of their actions be justified?

Shakespeare’s protagonists are complex figures who cannot be simply categorized as heroes or villains. They
possess both admirable and deeply flawed qualities, making them tragic heroes rather than pure heroes or
villains.

​ •​ Othello – A noble and honorable general, but his jealousy leads him to murder Desdemona. His
downfall is tragic, but his actions are manipulated by Iago.

​ •​ Hamlet – A thoughtful prince seeking justice for his father’s murder, but his indecision and
obsession with revenge lead to unnecessary deaths.

​ •​ Macbeth – A brave warrior initially, but his ambition and manipulation by Lady Macbeth drive
him to murder and tyranny. Though he regrets his actions, he continues down a path of destruction.

​ •​ King Lear – A powerful king whose arrogance and poor judgment cause his downfall. His
suffering leads to wisdom, but it comes too late.

Shakespeare’s villains are rarely purely evil. Iago, for example, is deeply manipulative, but his motivations stem
from jealousy and resentment. Macbeth’s ambition is destructive, yet he is tormented by guilt. Their actions
may be driven by understandable emotions, but their choices lead to tragedy, showing the complexity of human
nature.

2. What ideas of Renaissance are expressed in the plays you have chosen? How are the heroes/villains the
representatives of their time? Are they relevant today?

● You might want to prepare a short (3 slides max) presentation on this point.

Requirement to the presentations: explain your choice of a hero/villain, not longer than 3-minutes, minimum
text (you are supposed to speak, not read)

Presentation Outline: Renaissance Ideas in Shakespeare’s Tragic Heroes & Villains

Slide 1: Introduction – Renaissance Ideas in Shakespeare’s Plays

​ •​ The Renaissance emphasized humanism, individualism, and the struggle between fate and free
will.

​ •​ Shakespeare’s characters reflect complex human nature, breaking away from medieval moral
simplicity.

​ •​ His tragic heroes embody ambition, doubt, honor, and downfall, making them deeply relatable.

Slide 2: Case Study – Macbeth (Hero or Villain?)

​ •​ Renaissance themes:

​ •​ Human ambition vs. morality – Driven by personal desire rather than divine will.

​ •​ The power of free will – He chooses his path, unlike medieval fate-driven heroes.

​ •​ The questioning of power – Challenges traditional ideas of kingship and legitimacy.

​ •​ Relevance today: Still reflects modern struggles with ambition, corruption, and moral
compromise.

Slide 3: Are Shakespeare’s Villains Truly Evil?

​ •​ Iago (Othello) – Motivated by jealousy and revenge, not just pure malice.

​ •​ Claudius (Hamlet) – A corrupt ruler but one who expresses guilt.

​ •​ Relevance today: Their actions mirror real-world issues like betrayal, manipulation, and power
struggles.

​ •​ Conclusion: Renaissance characters are timeless because they explore universal human
emotions and moral dilemmas.

Would you like me to refine the slides further or suggest a speaking script?