The RenaissanceIntroduction to the Literary Period
Key Concept: The Beginnings of Tudor Rule
Key Concept: The Protestant Reformation
Key Concept: England’s Greatest Monarch
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History of the Times
• Henry marries Elizabeth of York to secure his position, and acts to ensure peace with foreign powers.
• Henry Tudor defeats the Yorkist king Richard III and establishes the Tudor dynasty, which rules for 118 years.
Key Concept: The Beginnings of Tudor Rule
History of the Times
• expanding commerce
By the time of Henry VII’s death in 1509, England is prosperous and fairly united, the throne protected. Henry accomplished this by
Key Concept: The Beginnings of Tudor Rule
• supporting the English merchant class
• reducing the power of the nobles
• awarding offices to loyal men from the middle class
• The printing press is introduced in England.
Literature of the Times• The fifteenth century was a key
period for literacy in England.
• Humanism becomes a major influence on English literature.
Key Concept: The Beginnings of Tudor Rule
• With no son after 24 years of marriage, Henry appeals to pope to annul the marriage.
History of the Times
• Like his father, Henry VIII knows a male heir is essential to securing the throne.
• Henry VIII, most famous for his six wives, reigns from 1509 to 1547.
Key Concept: The Protestant Reformation
• Pope Clement’s denial prompts Henry to reform the Catholic Church in England.
• Henry VIII creates Church of England and Royal Navy, increasing England’s power.
• Henry VIII supports development of English literature, authorizes translation of Bible into English.
Literature of the Times
• English writers set about translating Greek and Roman classics into English.
• The Renaissance that started in Italy in the 14th century begins to flourish in England.
Key Concept: The Protestant Reformation
• The “Virgin Queen” foiled several murder plots by her cousin Mary, Queen of Scots.
• Elizabeth’s first task was to restore law and order and reestablish Church of England.
History of the Times
• England under “Bloody” Mary was torn by religious feuds after she restored power to Catholics and executed Protestants.
• Elizabeth I inherits kingdom after deaths of her brother Edward and sister Mary.
• Queen Elizabeth’s defeat of the Spanish Armada was one of her finest hours.
Key Concept: England’s Greatest Monarch
• Poetry, drama, religious allegory, and philosophical works flourish in this golden age.
• Armada’s defeat is a catalyst for Renaissance writers, who celebrate Elizabeth I as a symbol of peace, prosperity, and security.
Literature of the Times
• Elizabeth’s court becomes a center of literary culture for gifted writers.
• The plays of William Shakespeare and his contemporaries are created for the general public, rather than aristocratic theater patrons.
Key Concept: England’s Greatest Monarch
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