History & Civics
Read the following excerpt and answer the questions that follow:
"The Renaissance literature in modern European languages was marked by significant changes in style and theme. Initially, the tendency was towards copying the Latin literary style. Its first impact was felt in poetry where the imitation of court poets was given up and new rhymes were adopted with themes which were increasingly secular." (Source: https://egyankosh.ac.in/bitstream/123456789/12890/1/Unit-7.pdf)
(a) How did Renaissance literature differ from that of the Middle Ages?
(b) What language did Renaissance writers use for their works?
Answer
(a) In the Middle Ages, literature was primarily dominated by religion and written in Latin. However, Renaissance writers shifted focus to humanity, nature, and the interests of the individual. They became more concerned with the present world rather than the afterlife, as was common among scholars of the Middle Ages.
(b) During the Middle Ages most of the writings were in Latin but the writers of the Renaissance era used the common languages of the people (i.e., vernaculars) and the language of the people became the language of literature.
Related Questions
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How did the victory of the Turks over Constantinople play a part in the rise of Renaissance?
How did Renaissance architecture differ from the Gothic style? Name two secular Renaissance architectural masterpieces.