Introducing the Renaissancepolitics, humanism, imitation,
reformation
1453-1487 Wars of the RosesContest between two noble houses– Lancaster
and York– for the English throne.
House of York(Richard III of
York)
House of Lancaster (Henry Tudor, Earl of
Richmond)
Tudor Rose
Line of Kingship
Richard III
Vs.
Henry Tudor (VII)
married
Elizabeth of York
Henry VIII
• The Tudor monarchies (H7, H8, Eliz I) saw an increasing consolidation of power around the “royal body.”
• Culture and power melded in the royal court; courtiers had to be skilled in language, adept at self-display, and ruthless in pursuing their own political and economic interests.
• Reigns of Henry VII and VIII saw the flourishing of the Renaissance in England, a climate that allowed the rise of – humanism, – imitation of classical models, – the Protestant Reformation.
HumanismMovement came to England from
the Italian city-states, through a rediscovery of classical literatures, histories, and philosophies.
Tenets:• “man as the measure”• Emphasis on life in THIS world,
less so on the life to come in heaven
• Valuing the “active life” as opposed to the medieval “contemplative life” Da Vinci’s Vitruvian Man
Changes in Literature and Education• Imitation: writers sought to “follow in the footsteps” of
classical masters, capturing the spirit of those original texts but achieving something new as well
• Revival of literary forms: satire, epic, dramatic genres of tragedy, comedy
• Education: to the medieval trivium (grammar, logic, rhetoric) and quadrivium (arithmetic, astronomy, music, geometry), humanist educators added literature, languages (especially Greek and Hebrew), and history… object of education moved from training future clergymen toward cultural understanding
• William Caxton (1422-1491)– brings moveable type to England from the Continent
Reformation in EnglandSpurred largely by Henry VIII’s political and dynastic
desires.– Marriage to Catherine of Aragon: no annulment!– 1531: H8 forces entire clergy of England to beg pardon for
having usurped royal authority in administration of canon law (matters such as marriage and divorce).
– 1533: Marriage declared null, he marries Anne Boleyn. Henry is excommunicated by Pope Clement VII.
– “Act of Succession”: H8 requires all adult male subjects to accede to his new marriage and whatever heir(s) it might
– “Act of Supremacy”: H8 declares himself “Supreme Head of the Church in England.”
• Both acts require an OATH from all subjects; Thomas More (and others) refuse.
– 1535/36: H8 makes it treasonous to refuse to take the oath or to remain silent; More is convicted and beheaded.
– 1536-39: secretary of state Thomas Cromwell dissolves England’s monasteries and seizes their wealth.
The meaning of the Reformation
• Rejection of the authority of the Pope and the roles of Church officials, priests in mediating between humans and God
• The Church cannot grant salvation; this can only be achieved through a personal relationship with God
• sola scriptura – “scripture alone”– widespread translation of Bible
• sola fides – “faith alone” – faith, not deeds, nor indulgences