renaissance
...rn Europe. Undoubtedly, their enthusiasm for antiquity led them to discover previously unknown classical texts. Such a notable example would be the works by Greek philosopher, Plato. Plato was not the only well-known writer during the Renaissance period, Thomas Wyatt (1503-1542) was also a fully recognised poet in English literature. In the first half of the 16th Century, Wyatt’s lyrical poems were publicized. He initiated new poetical forms, borrowing freely from English popular songs and Italian as well as French poetry. He was the first person to introduce the sonnet into English literature. As well as literature, art was an important aspect in the Renaissance period, which people explored different themes and perspectives. A prime example of a well known artist in that period was Leonardo da Vinci. According to the Guinness Encyclopaedia, Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519) “represents the true Renaissance artist: not only was he extraordinary in all the arts but he was also an inventor, mathematician and philosopher. However, as a painter, he developed the use of ‘aerial perspective’; a new line of perspective in the settings of his paintings. This is evident in the Adoration of the Kings (1481) and the Mona Lisa (1503). RELIGION AND THE REFORMATION: According to the World Book the Renaissance has in the past been associated with a process of secularisation”. This period has a major role in the split between the Catholic and the Protestant; one contributory factor was the textual criticism of the Humanist scholars. This textual criticism, however, did not lead to a rejection of the Catholic tradition, but this period was when the New Testament was reinterpreted by a number of radical people, including Martin Luther. Within Protestant theology there were no intermediate levels between man and God i.e. there was no need to appeal to saints. This was a main difference in theology between the Catholics and the Protestants. The Reformation is the movement in history, beginning in 1517, which broke up the unity of the Church in Western Europe and created a new branch of Christianity, called Protestantism, which is centred on the absolute and sufficient authority of the Bible and on justification by faith alone. RENAISSANCE THEATRES AND ACTING: Here are the following points on theatres and acting in the Renaissance period: • Some of the well known theatres are the Curtain, the Rose and the famous Globe Theatre. • All actors were men; they even performed the role of female characters. • In general these theatres were circular or polygonal structures, consisting of a three-story "frame" surrounding an open-air yard. • Spectators sat in boxes or galleries within the frame or stood below in the yard, most of which was occupied by a platform stage that was partially protected by a roof. • At the rear of the stage was the "tiring house," where the actors dressed and stored their properties. • There were two or more entrances to the stage from this building, which also possessed a gallery or upper acting area and on a level with the platform stage that could be closed off by a curtain. CONCLUSION: To conclude, here are the key points and main findings summarised: 1) The Renaissance period was a time where discovery was a main theme in arts and literature. 2) An example of a great discovery is the work produced by William Shakespeare (i.e. Macbeth and King Lear) in literature and Leonardo da Vinci creating the Mona Lisa. 3) The Renaissance was also a period where Christianity was affe...