The document discusses the Renaissance period in Europe between the 14th and 17th centuries. It was a time of rebirth in intellectual and artistic pursuits. Some key characteristics included reforms in institutions, the rise of rational thought, and an emphasis on human-centered societies and scientific development. Many renowned writers flourished during this era, such as Shakespeare, Spenser, and Milton. The document then analyzes how Renaissance ideas are reflected in William Shakespeare's Hamlet, Christopher Marlowe's Doctor Faustus, and John Milton's Paradise Lost.

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Vishva Gajjar
Roll No. 45
Email ID : vishvagajjar27@gmail.com
Smt. S.B.Gardi Department of English
Paper No. 1 THE RENAISSANCE LITERATURE
Characteristics of The Renaissance Period – Hamlet, Doctor
Faustus & Paraidse Lost Book- IX

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Introduction
 Began in Florence, Italy in the 14 Century.
 Location : Europe, France, Holland, Italy.
 It is a period in European history covering the span between the
14th and 17th centuries.
 Meaning of Renaissance in French is ‘Rebirth’.
 Age of Enlightenment to modern history.

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Characteristics
 Reforms in the institutions
 Dominance of reason
 Man-centred society
 Development of Science
 The counter-reformation

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The Era of Renowned Names
 Some of the greatest name in the world of literature
 Dramatists – Shakespeare, Marlowe, Webster and Jonson
 Poets – Sidney, Spenser, Donne and Milton
 Prose Writers – Bacon, Nashe, Browne and Hooker.
 Authorised version of Bible was published in 1611.

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Renaissance features in Hamlet
 Humanist Philosophy : In Act II, Scene 2 Hamlet asks : ‘What a piece of
work is a man, how noble in reason, how infinite in faculties.
 Religion : Hamlet’s most famous soliloquy which begins, “to be or not to
be”, he alludes to an unknown afterlife ‘ the undiscovered country’.
 Politics
 Science : “ ….. The plays’ the thing wherein I will catch the
………………. of the king.”

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Doctor Faustus as a Renaissance play
 Thirst for knowledge
 Wealth and Exploration.
 Love of Beauty.

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Impact of Renaissance on ‘Paradise Lost’
 Christianity during Renaissance
 Individualism
 Humanism
 Love of Beauty.
 Revival of Greek Mythology

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Conclusion
So, this way we can see the
reflection of Renaissance period in
these works.

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