PO3 - Lesson: Renaissance Poetry

A portrait of William Shakespeare by John TaylorRenaissance Poetry

Renaissance poetry, a literary movement spanning the 14th to the 17th century, marked a transformative period in European literature. Characterized by a revival of classical themes and a profound shift in humanistic ideals, Renaissance poets sought to emulate the literary excellence of ancient Greece and Rome.

This era witnessed a departure from medieval forms and a renewed emphasis on individual expression, humanism, and the beauty of language. Notable poets like William Shakespeare, Sir Phillip Sydney, and Edmund Spenser contributed to the rich tapestry of Renaissance poetry, exploring themes ranging from love and nature to the complexities of the human experience.

Image note: Do you recognize this historical figure? Most likely, you do, but just in case: this is the poet and playwright William Shakespeare. The portrait was painted in 1610 by John Taylor and is likely the most famous image of Shakespeare.

Renaissance Poetry - Characteristics

Let’s explore some characteristics of poetry from the Renaissance period. These poems tend to be a little bit simpler than the periods that come after. Also, a quick trick is to recognize that “thee” and “thou” are just formal forms of “you.”

  • Sonnet Form: One distinctive characteristic of Renaissance poetry is the widespread use and innovation of the sonnet form. Poets like William Shakespeare and Petrarch crafted sonnets, typically consisting of 14 lines with specific rhyme schemes, allowing for intricate exploration of themes such as love, beauty, and mortality.
  • Unrequited Love: Renaissance poets, particularly in sonnets, often delved into the theme of unrequited love, using the sonnet form to express the complexities of desire and heartbreak. Through intricate language and metaphorical richness, poets like Shakespeare and Petrarch illuminated the pain and longing associated with unreciprocated affections, capturing the emotional nuances of love's challenges within the tightly structured confines of the sonnet.
  • Humanism and Individualism: Renaissance poetry often reflected the humanistic ideals of the era, emphasizing the worth and potential of the individual. Poets celebrated human achievements, intellect, and the complexities of personal experiences, moving away from the more collective and religious focus of medieval literature.
  • Classical Influences: Renaissance poets drew inspiration from classical literature, particularly works from ancient Greece and Rome. They incorporated classical themes, motifs, and styles, infusing their poetry with a sense of intellectual depth and cultural resonance.
  • Nature and Beauty: A fascination with nature and the concept of beauty permeated Renaissance poetry. Poets explored the natural world, using vivid imagery and metaphor to convey both the physical and symbolic aspects of the environment, contributing to the overall aesthetic richness of their verses.
  • Passage of Time: Renaissance poets frequently contemplated the passage of time in their verses, using the fluidity of language to express the transient nature of life. Through vivid imagery and metaphorical explorations, poets such as Edmund Spenser and Sir Philip Sidney often reflected on the inexorable march of time, capturing the fleeting moments of beauty, love, and human existence within the context of the broader temporal landscape.

Practice Activity

Read William Shakespeare's "Sonnet 60" (He wrote a total of 154). After reading the poem carefully, answer the questions below.

A still life showing a skull, a flower and an hour glass.

Like as the waves make towards the pebbl'd shore,
So do our minutes hasten to their end;
Each changing place with that which goes before,
In sequent toil all forwards do contend.
Nativity, once in the main of light,
Crawls to maturity, wherewith being crown'd,
Crooked eclipses 'gainst his glory fight,
And Time that gave doth now his gift confound.
Time doth transfix the flourish set on youth
And delves the parallels in beauty's brow,
Feeds on the rarities of nature's truth,
And nothing stands but for his scythe to mow:
And yet to times in hope my verse shall stand,
Praising thy worth, despite his cruel hand.

Image note: This painting is titled Vanité (French for Vanity) but is also referred to by its English title: Still-Life With a Skull. It was painted in 1646 by Philippe de Champaigne. Do you think Shakespeare's sonnet inspired de Champaigne? Also, note that the painting represents three essential aspects: life (the flower), death (the skull), and time (the hourglass).

Reflection

In conclusion, Renaissance poetry stands as a testament to the intellectual and artistic flourishing of the era, marked by a revival of classical influences, exploration of humanism, and a profound engagement with the complexities of the human experience. Through diverse forms, including the sonnet, poets of the Renaissance crafted verses that not only celebrated the beauty of language and nature but also delved into profound reflections on love, time, and the enduring impact of their cultural and intellectual milieu.

[CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 Links to an external site.] UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED | IMAGES: LICENSED AND USED ACCORDING TO TERMS OF SUBSCRIPTION - INTENDED ONLY FOR USE WITHIN LESSON.