(1) THE DISTINCTION BETWEEN ELIZABETHAN AND RENAISSANCE PERIOD

The Renaissance period and Elizabethan era are two distinct periods in history, although
they share some similarities.

The Renaissance was a cultural and intellectual movement that spanned roughly from
the 14th to the 17th century in Europe. It was characterized by a renewed interest in
classical art, literature, and science, and marked a transition from the medieval to the
modern world. The Renaissance was a time of great artistic and intellectual
achievements, including the works of Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and William
Shakespeare.

The Elizabethan era, on the other hand, refers specifically to the reign of Queen Elizabeth
I in England, which lasted from 1558 to 1603. This period was marked by the flowering of
English literature, particularly in drama, with the works of William Shakespeare, Christopher
Marlowe, and Ben Jonson, among others. It was also a time of great exploration and
expansion, with the establishment of English colonies in the New World and the
circumnavigation of the globe by Sir Francis Drake.

While the Elizabethan era was part of the broader Renaissance movement, it had its own
unique characteristics and cultural influences. For example, the English Reformation,
which began in the reign of Elizabeth's father Henry VIII, had a profound impact on English
society and culture. Additionally, the Elizabethan era was marked by the rise of the
English theater and the popularity of plays and other forms of entertainment, which
reflected the values and interests of the time.

While there is some overlap between the two periods, there are several key distinctions
between Elizabethan and Renaissance culture:

Geography: The Renaissance was a cultural movement that originated in Italy and
spread throughout Europe, while the Elizabethan era refers specifically to England during
the reign of Queen Elizabeth I.

Politics: The Elizabethan era was marked by a strong centralization of power under the
monarchy, while the Renaissance was characterized by the rise of individualism and the
growth of republics.

Art and Literature: Elizabethan literature was marked by the emergence of William
Shakespeare and the Elizabethan theatre, while Renaissance art was marked by the
development of new techniques and styles in painting, sculpture, and architecture.

Science: The Renaissance was a period of great scientific advancement, including the
development of the scientific method, while the Elizabethan era was marked by the work
of figures such as Francis Bacon and Galileo Galilei.

Religion: The Renaissance saw the emergence of the Protestant Reformation and the
Catholic Counter-Reformation, while the Elizabethan era was marked by the
establishment of the Church of England and the persecution of Catholics.

Overall, while the Elizabethan era was a part of the larger Renaissance period, it had its
own unique cultural and historical characteristics that set it apart from the rest of the
Renaissance.

(2) THE RENAISSANCE PERIOD IN ENGLISH LITERATURE

The Renaissance was a period between the 1300s and 1660. The word "Renaissance"
comes from the French word for "rebirth," referring to the movement's origins following
the Dark Ages and the new interest in and rediscovery of Greek and Roman texts that
inspired the minds of the time.

Renaissance literature is typically viewed as literature written in England during the 16th
and 17th centuries. This period was the time of the Italian Renaissance, which had a
great impact on English culture. Writers were influenced by classical language and
style, and often studied Latin and Greek at school. Writers used this knowledge to
imitate ancient styles in order to create their own original works.

Types of Literature Written During the Renaissance Period

During the Renaissance, literature was dominated by two types of writing: poetry and
drama. Much of the poetry was written in verse form, often following a set rhyming
scheme. Drama was more popular than comedy during this period, although comedies
were still performed on occasion.

The most popular types of literature during this time period were romances, epics, and
prose. These pieces usually took on the form of entertaining stories with deep meaning.
The romances were usually about knights in search of adventure, while the epics were
often about conquering lands. Prose was typically more controversial than the other
two forms because it often discussed topics that would have been considered
inappropriate for those from a higher class.

Characteristics of English

English literature in the Renaissance period is characterized by a break with medieval

values and an attempt to restore the classical Greek and Roman ideals. This change in
ideology is evident in poetry, drama, and prose. The poetry of this era is often
characterized by elaborate allusions to classical myths. Drama was stimulated by the
revival of Roman Theater, while prose was centered on discussions of moral philosophy.

English literature during the renaissance period is often characterized by an increased

concern for individualism, self-knowledge, and issues of morality.

Renaissance literature is characterized by a broad variety of interrelated literary forms,

ranging from popular “low” styles, such as ballads and plays, to high forms that are often
studied in schools or universities.

The English Literature of the Renaissance is characterized by its variety, with writers
showing different ways of representing the world. These writers are also different in their
attitude to social and moral norms. This diversity is also seen in the various forms of
literature that were written during this period, among which are the sonnet, the epic
poem, and narrative fiction.

It is characterized by a renewed interest in classical learning and the arts.

(3) THE-AGE OF ELIZABETH IN ENGLISH LITERATURE

THE HISTORICAL BACKGROUND (1550-1630)

Elizabethan English literature refers to the literature produced during the reign of Queen
Elizabeth I of England, which lasted from 1558 to 1603. The Elizabethan era was a period
of great cultural, political, and economic growth in England, and it saw the emergence
of a vibrant literary scene that produced some of the greatest works of English
literature.

During this time, England underwent significant social and economic changes. The
growth of trade and commerce led to an increase in wealth, and the rise of the middle
class gave writers and artists more opportunities to create and publish their works. The
Elizabethan era was also marked by a renewed interest in classical learning and the
arts, which had a profound influence on the literature of the period.
Bringing a distinctive paradigm shift in the history of English Literature, the Elizabethan
Age represents the brilliant century of all the periods and is also known as the Golden
Age.
The dominating features of the period can be conveniently summarized under two
heads:

1. Settlement. In politics the English nation was attaining to a state of stability.

Dynastic problems, though still nerve-racking, did not cause open warfare, and
the union of the Crowns finally set at rest the ancient quarrel between Scotland
and England. This settlement was all for the good of literature.
One of the most significant events during the Elizabethan period was the
colonization of the New World, which began with Sir Walter Raleigh's failed
attempt to establish a colony in Virginia in 1584. The successful colonization of
Virginia began with the founding of Jamestown in 1607, which was followed by
the establishment of other colonies in New England, including Plymouth in 1620.

In addition to overseas colonization, settlement within England was also

important during the Elizabethan period. One notable example was the
establishment of new market towns and the expansion of existing towns and
cities, which led to the growth of the urban population.

Another significant aspect of settlement during this period was the enclosure
movement, which involved the fencing off of common lands for private use. This
process had a significant impact on rural society, as it led to the displacement of
many small farmers and tenants.

Overall, settlement during the Elizabethan period was characterized by both

expansion and upheaval, as the country underwent significant changes that
would shape its future.

2. Expansion. In our history this is perhaps the most remarkable epoch for the
expansion of both mental and geographical horizons. Now knowledge was
pouring in from the East, and new worlds were opening in the West. The great
voyagers, whose exploits were chronicled in the immortal pages of Hakluyt (1552
(?)-1616), brought home both material and intellectual treasures from beyond
the "still-vexed Bermoothes," as Shakespeare called them. It is unnecessary to
enlarge upon the important effects which these revolutionary discoveries
produced in literature.

The Elizabethan period in England was a time of great expansion and growth in
many areas. Here are some examples of the expansion that occurred during this
time:

Overseas Expansion: The Elizabethan era saw England establish its first
permanent settlement in the New World, with the founding of Jamestown,
Virginia, in 1607. Other colonies were established in Bermuda, Newfoundland,
and the West Indies. These colonies provided new opportunities for trade,
exploration, and the spread of English culture and influence.

Trade and Commerce: Elizabethan England saw a tremendous expansion of

trade and commerce. English merchants were involved in trading with countries
all over the world, including India, China, and Japan. New trade routes were
established, and there was a growth in the export of wool and cloth.

Education and Learning: The Elizabethan era saw a great expansion in

education and learning. Many new schools and colleges were founded,
including Oxford and Cambridge universities. This led to a growth in literacy and
the spread of knowledge and ideas.

Arts and Literature: The Elizabethan era is famous for its great artistic and literary
achievements. The works of William Shakespeare, Christopher Marlowe, and Ben
Jonson are just a few examples of the amazing contributions made by
Elizabethan writers and artists.

Infrastructure: The Elizabethan era saw an expansion in infrastructure, with the

building of new roads, bridges, and canals. This helped to improve transportation
and communication, and led to a growth in trade and commerce.
 Overall, the Elizabethan period was a time of great expansion and growth in
many areas, and these developments laid the foundation for many of the
achievements and advancements that would follow in the centuries to come.

(4) LITERARY FEATURES OF THE ELIZABETHAN LITERATURE

1. The New Classicism. By the time of Elizabeth the Renaissance, as it was

called, had made itself strongly felt in England. In particular, there was an
ardent revival in the study of Greek, which brought a dazzling light into many
dark places of the intellect. The new passion for classical learning, in itself a
rich and worthy enthusiasm, became quite a danger to the language. In all
branches of literature Greek and Latin usages began to force themselves
upon English, with results not wholly beneficial. It said much for the native
sturdiness of English that, after a brief and vexed period of transition, it threw
off the worst effects of this deadening pressure. English did not emerge
unscathed from the contest. But, applied to this slight extent, the new
classical influences were a great benefit: they tempered and polished the
earlier rudeness of English literature.

2. Abundance of Output. After the lean years of the preceding epoch the
prodigal issue of the Elizabethan age is almost embarrassing. As we have
pointed out, the historical situation encouraged a healthy production. The
interest shown in literary subjects is quite amazing to a more chastened
generation. Pamphlets and treatises were freely written; much abuse, often
of a personal and scurrilous character, was indulged in; and literary questions
became almost of national importance. To a great extent the controversies
of the day were puerile enough, but at least they indicated a lively interest in
the literature of the period.

3. Revival of Interest in Greek Literature. The ardent revival in the study of Greek
literature brought a dazzling light into many dark places of interest. The new
classical influences were a great benefit. They tempered & polished the
earlier rudeness of English Literature.

4. The New Romanticism. The romantic quest is, for the remote, the wonderful &
the beautiful. All these desires were abundantly fed during the Elizabethan
age, which are the first & the greatest romantic epoch (period). According to
Albert, “there was a daring & resolute spirit of adventure in literary as well as
the other regions, & most important of these was an un-mistakable buoyancy
& freshness in the strong wind of the spirit. It was the ardent youth of English
Literature & the achievement was worthy of it.”

5. Translations in Elizabethan Age. The Elizabethan age witnessed translation

into English of several important foreign books. Many translations were as
popular as the original works.

Sir Thomas North translated Plutarch’s Lives & John Florio translated
Montaigne’s Essais. No less popular were the translations in poetry. E.g.
Metamorphoses by Arthur Golding, Arisoto Orlando Furioso by Sir John
Harrington, Tasso’s Terusalom Liberata by Richard Carew.

6. Spirit of Independence. In spite of borrowings from abroad, the authors of this

age showed a spirit of independence & creativeness. Shakespeare borrowed
freely, but by the alembic of his creative imaginations, he transformed the
dross into gold. Spenser introduced the ‘Spenserian Stanza’, & from his works,
we got the impression of inventiveness & intrepidity. On the whole, the
outlook of the writers during the age was broad & independent.

7. Development of Drama. During the Elizabethan Age, drama made a swift &
wonderful leap into maturity. The drama reached the splendid perfection in
the hands of Shakespeare & Ben Jonson, though in the concluding part of
the age, particularly in Jacobean Age, there was a decline of drama
standards.
 8. Popularity of Poetry. Poetry enjoyed its hey-day during the Elizabethan age.
The whole of the age lived in a state of poetic fervour. Songs, lyrics & sonnets
were produced in plenty, & England became nest of the singing birds. In
versification, there was a marked improvement. Melody & Pictorialism were
introduced in poetry by Spenser.

9. Prose and Novel. For the first time, prose rose to the position of first rate
importance. “Even the development of poetical drama between 1579 A.D. -
1629 A.D., is hardly more extraordinary than the sudden expansion of English
prose & its adaptation to every kind of literary requirement.”

The dead weight of the Latin & English prose acquired a tradition & universal
application. English Novel made its first proper appearance during this age.

(5) Here are some notable writers and works from this during Renaissance and
Elizabethan Period:

William Shakespeare: William Shakespeare was an English playwright, poet, and actor
who lived during the late 16th and early 17th centuries. He is widely considered to be one
of the greatest writers in the English language and is known for his plays, which include
tragedies like "Hamlet," "Macbeth," and "King Lear," as well as comedies like "A
Midsummer Night's Dream" and "The Taming of the Shrew." Shakespeare's works are still
widely performed and studied today, and his influence on English literature and culture
cannot be overstated. He died in 1616 at the age of 52.

Christopher Marlowe: Christopher Marlowe was an English playwright, poet, and

translator who lived during the late 16th century. He was a contemporary of William
Shakespeare, and his works are often compared to Shakespeare's. Marlowe is best
known for his plays, including "Tamburlaine the Great," "Doctor Faustus," and "The Jew of
Malta," which are considered among the greatest works of English Renaissance drama.
Marlowe's writing is notable for its poetic language and exploration of complex moral
and philosophical themes, as well as its use of blank verse, a form of poetry that became
a hallmark of Shakespeare's writing as well. Marlowe died in 1593 at the age of 29, under
mysterious circumstances that have inspired much speculation and conspiracy theories.

Sir Philip Sidney: Sir Philip Sidney was an English poet, courtier, and soldier who lived during
the 16th century. He was born in 1554 into a prominent aristocratic family and was
educated at Oxford University. Sidney was known for his poetry and prose writing,
including the sonnet sequence "Astrophil and Stella" and the prose work "The Defence of
Poesy," which argued for the value of poetry and literature. Sidney was also a prominent
figure at the court of Queen Elizabeth I and served as an ambassador to the Holy Roman
Emperor, Rudolf II. He died in 1586 at the age of 31 from wounds sustained in battle while
serving in the Netherlands during the Eighty Years' War. Sidney's writing is known for its
idealism, romanticism, and lyrical beauty, and he is considered one of the greatest
English poets of the Renaissance era.

Edmund Spenser: Spenser wrote the epic poem "The Faerie Queene," which is considered
one of the greatest works of English literature. That lengthy (and technically unfinished)
poem is actually a pretty blatantly sycophantic attempt to flatter then-Queen Elizabeth
I; Spenser wanted desperately to be ennobled, a goal he never achieved, and a poem
linking Queen Elizabeth with all the virtues in the world seemed like a good way to go.
Along the way, Spenser developed a poetic structure still known as the Spenserian Stanza
and a style of sonnet known as the Spenserian Sonnet, both of which have been copied
by later poets such as Coleridge and Shakespeare.

John Milton: John Milton was an English poet, polemicist, and civil servant who lived
during the 17th century. He is best known for his epic poem "Paradise Lost," which tells the
story of Adam and Eve's fall from grace and Satan's rebellion against God. Milton's other
notable works include the poems "Lycidas" and "On the Morning of Christ's Nativity," as
well as his political tracts, including "Areopagitica," which advocated for freedom of
speech and the press. Milton was a prominent figure in English politics during the 17th
century and was involved in the English Civil War and the Commonwealth period that
followed. He held various government positions under Oliver Cromwell, but his political
fortunes declined after the Restoration of the monarchy in 1660. Milton died in 1674 at
the age of 65. His writing is known for its philosophical depth, theological complexity, and
mastery of language and form, and he is considered one of the greatest poets in the
English language.

Thomas More: Sir Thomas More was an English lawyer, scholar, statesman, and humanist
who lived during the late 15th and early 16th centuries. He served as a member of
Parliament, as well as a high-ranking official in the court of King Henry VIII. More is best
known for his work "Utopia," which is a fictional account of an ideal society. More was
also a devout Catholic and opposed the Protestant Reformation, which led to his conflict
with Henry VIII. More refused to acknowledge Henry VIII as the supreme head of the
Church of England and was eventually executed for treason in 1535. He was later
canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church in 1935. More's legacy includes his
contributions to the fields of law, politics, and literature, as well as his steadfast
commitment to his principles and beliefs.

Francis Bacon: Francis Bacon was an English philosopher, statesman, scientist, jurist, and
author who lived during the 16th and 17th centuries. He is best known for his works on
empirical philosophy and the scientific method, which laid the foundation for the
development of modern science. Bacon was also a prominent figure in English politics
and served as Lord Chancellor of England under King James I. He was a proponent of
the idea that knowledge should be based on observation and experimentation rather
than on tradition or authority. Bacon's most famous works include "Novum Organum,"
which outlines his scientific method, and "The New Atlantis," a utopian work that depicts
a society guided by scientific knowledge. Bacon died in 1626 at the age of 65. His
contributions to science and philosophy have had a lasting impact on Western thought
and have influenced many subsequent thinkers in these fields.

Geoffrey Chaucer. Chaucer’s influence can be summarized in one sentence: Without

him, Shakespeare wouldn’t be Shakespeare. Not only did Chaucer’s "Canterbury Tales"
mark the first time English was used for a serious work of literary ambition (English being
considered a "common" language for the uneducated at the time when the royal family
of England still considered themselves in many ways French and in fact French was the
official language of the court), but Chaucer’s technique of using five stresses in a line was
a direct ancestor of the iambic pentameter used by Shakespeare and his
contemporaries.

Nicholas Machiavelli. There are only a handful of writers whose names have adjectives
(see Shakespearean), and Machiavelli is one of them thanks to his most famous work,
"The Prince." Machiavelli’s focus on terrestrial instead of heavenly power is indicative of
the general shift going on in his lifetime as the Renaissance gained steam. His concept
that there was a division between public and private morality, and his endorsement of
violence, murder, and political trickery to gain and maintain power is where we get the
term Machiavellian when describing brilliant if evil politicians or schemers.

Miguel de Cervantes. The things you consider to be novels are a relatively new invention,
and Miguel de Cervantes’ "Don Quixote" is generally considered to be one of the first
examples, if not the first. Published in 1605, it’s a late-Renaissance work that is also
credited with shaping much of what is now the modern Spanish language; in that sense,
Cervantes must be regarded as an equal to Shakespeare in terms of cultural influence.
Cervantes played with language, using puns and contradictions for humorous effect,
and the image of the loyal Sancho miserably following his deluded master as he literally
tilts at windmills has endured through the centuries. Novels ranging from Dostoyevsky’s
The Idiot to Rushdie’s "The Moor’s Last Sigh" are explicitly influenced by "Don Quixote,"
establishing its ongoing literary influence.

Dante Alighieri. "The Divine Comedy" is a poem that follows Dante himself as he travels
through hell, purgatory, and heaven. It’s extremely complex in its structure and
references, and quite beautiful in its language even in translation. While concerned with
many theological and religious themes, it shows its Renaissance trappings in the many
ways Dante critiques and comments on contemporary Florentine politics, society, and
culture.

John Donne. Donne is considered one of the earliest “metaphysical” writers, he more or
less invented several literary techniques in his complex works, most notably the trick of
using two seemingly opposite concepts to construct powerful metaphors. His use of irony
and the often cynical and snarky tone of his work surprises many who think of older writing
as flowery and pretentious. Donne’s work also represents the shift in focus from writing
that almost exclusively dealt with religious themes to work that was much more personal,
a trend begun in the Renaissance that continues today. His abandonment of the stiff,
heavily regulated forms of previous literature in favor of more casual rhythms that closely
resembled actual speech was revolutionary, and the ripples from his innovations are still
lapping against modern lit.

Giovanni Boccaccio. Boccaccio lived and worked during the early Renaissance in
Florence, producing a huge volume of work that set down some of the basic roots of the
newly-humanist focus of the era. He worked both in “vernacular” Italian (meaning the
everyday language people actually used) as well as more formal Latin compositions,
and his work directly influenced both Chaucer and Shakespeare, not to mention just
about every writer who ever lived. His most famous work, "The Decameron," is a clear
model for "The Canterbury Tales" as it features a frame story of people fleeing to a remote
villa to escape the Black Death and entertaining themselves by telling stories. One of
Boccaccio’s most influential techniques was to render dialogue in a naturalistic manner
instead of the overly formal style of tradition.

Francesco Petrarca (Petrarch). One of the earliest Renaissance poets, Petrarch was
forced to study law by his father, but abandoned that work as soon as his father died,
choosing to pursue Latin studies and writing. He popularized the poetic form of the sonnet
and was one of the first writers to eschew the formal, structured style of traditional poetry
in favor of a more casual, realistic approach to language. Petrarch became extremely
popular in England, and thus has an outsize influence on our modern literature. Petrarch
remained one of the most influential poets in the English language well into the 19th
century, ensuring that our modern concept of literature could in large part be attributed
to this 14th century writer.

John Milton. The fact that even people who regard poetry as something to run away
from as quickly as possible are familiar with the title of Milton’s most famous work,
"Paradise Lost," tells you all you need to know about this late-Renaissance genius. Milton
composed "Paradise Lost" in blank verse, one of the earliest and most influential uses of
the technique. He also told a traditional religious-themed story (the fall of man) in a
startlingly personal way, casting the story of Adam and Eve as a realistic domestic story,
and giving all the characters (even God and Satan) clear and unique personalities. These
innovations may seem obvious today, but that in itself is a testament to Milton’s influence.

Jean-Baptiste Poquelin (Molière). Molière was one of the first major comedy writers of the
Renaissance. Humorous writing had always existed, of course, but Molière reinvented it
as a form of social satire that had an incredible influence on French culture and literature
in general. His satirical plays often read as flat or thin on the page, but come alive when
performed by skilled actors who can interpret his lines as they were intended. His
willingness to satirize political, religious, and cultural icons and power centers was daring
and dangerous (only the fact that King Louis XIV favored him explains his survival) set the
mark for comedy writing that remains the standard in many ways today.

Ben Jonson. (1572-1637) was an English playwright, poet, and literary critic who was a
contemporary of William Shakespeare. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest
writers of the Elizabethan and Jacobean eras. He worked as an actor and a playwright,
and his first play, "Every Man in His Humour," was produced in 1598. The play was a great
success, and it established Jonson's reputation as a playwright. Jonson wrote a number
of plays over the course of his career, including "Volpone," "The Alchemist," and
"Bartholomew Fair." His plays were known for their wit, satire, and social commentary.
Jonson was also a talented poet, and his works included lyric poetry, epigrams, and
satirical verse. In addition to his work as a writer, Jonson was also a literary critic. He wrote
a number of critical essays, including "Discoveries" and "Timber," which were influential in
shaping the literary culture of the time. Jonson's work was characterized by a fascination
with classical learning, as well as a commitment to social and moral values. His plays and
poems explored themes such as justice, honor, and the nature of human folly. He was
also known for his sharp wit and his ability to capture the speech and manners of his time.

These writers, among others, helped to shape English literature during the Renaissance
and Elizabethan period and their works continue to be studied and admired today.