Notesale: Turn your study into money

Document Preview

Extracts from the notes are below, to see the PDF you'll receive please use the links above

---

THE RENAISSANCE AND EARLY MODERN PERIOD: A
JOURNEY THROUGH LITERARY TRANSFORMATIONS
Exploring the Literary Giants and Landmark Works from the Renaissance to the Jacobean Era

by Syeda Sumaira Tabassum

History of English Literature
Lecturer 3: The Renaissance / Early Modern Period (1500–
1660)
The Renaissance, a period of great cultural and artistic flourishing, spanned from the 14th
to the 17th century
...
This lecture will
focus on key aspects of this period, including the Elizabethan Age, the Metaphysical
Poets, the Jacobean Age, and noteworthy prose and translations like the King James
Bible
...

The Elizabethan Age: Shakespeare, Marlowe, Spenser
The Elizabethan Age, named after Queen Elizabeth I (reigned 1558–1603), is often
considered the golden age of English literature
...

William Shakespeare (1564–1616):
Shakespeare, often hailed as the greatest playwright of all time, made substantial
contributions to English literature
...
Shakespeare's plays are typically categorized into comedies, tragedies,
and histories
...
His comedies, such as "A
Midsummer Night's Dream" and "Twelfth Night," are renowned for their wit and
exploration of love and identity
...

Christopher Marlowe (1564–1593):
Contemporary to Shakespeare, Marlowe was a pioneer of English drama
...
Marlowe's use of blank verse and exploration of complex
characters set a standard for future playwrights
...
This work is an allegory replete with knights, dragons, and quests,
symbolizing virtues like holiness, temperance, and chastity
...

The Metaphysical Poets: John Donne, George Herbert
The Metaphysical Poets emerged in the early 17th century, renowned for their intellectual
approach to themes of love, religion, and existence
...

John Donne (1572–1631):
Donne was a master of metaphysical poetry, known for his innovative use of metaphysical
conceits—extended metaphors that link seemingly unrelated ideas
...
Works like "The Flea" and "A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning" showcase his ability
to weave intricate arguments with subtle emotional depth
...
His collection "The Temple" is notable for its devotional
intensity and stylistic innovation
...

The Jacobean Age: Ben Jonson, John Webster
Following the Elizabethan era, the Jacobean Age (1603–1625) under King James I saw the
continuation of Renaissance ideals but with a darker, more introspective tone
...

His plays, such as "Volpone" and "The Alchemist," critique societal norms and human folly
with humor and insight
...

John Webster (c
...
1634):
Webster is best known for his dark and complex tragedies, "The Duchess of Malfi" and
"The White Devil
...


Webster’s use of vivid imagery and psychological depth contribute to his lasting influence
in English drama
...
This translation of the Bible into English was
a monumental task, involving a team of scholars who aimed to create an accurate and
accessible version for the English-speaking world
...

The King James Bible is noted for its majestic prose and poetic rhythm, qualities that
have endeared it to generations of readers
...


Conclusion
The Renaissance/Early Modern Period was a time of extraordinary literary achievement
...
From the innovative dramas of Shakespeare and Marlowe to the introspective
poetry of Donne and Herbert, and the enduring prose of the King James Bible, this period
laid the foundation for modern English literature
...


Multiple-Choice Questions
1
...
  What is a characteristic feature of Metaphysical poetry?
A) Pastoral themes
B) Intellectual complexity and wit
C) Romantic love
D) Simplicity in language
3
...
  What era is known as the Jacobean Age?
A) 1558–1603
B) 1603–1625
C) 1625–1649
D) 1649–1660
5
...
  Who is considered a leading figure among Metaphysical poets?
A) William Shakespeare
B) George Herbert
C) Christopher Marlowe
D) Ben Jonson
7
...
  Which play is NOT written by William Shakespeare?
A) "Macbeth"
B) "The Jew of Malta"
C) "Hamlet"
D) "Othello"
9
...
S
...
 In which play does the character Faustus appear?
A) "Doctor Faustus"
B) "The Tempest"
C) "The Alchemist"
D) "Every Man in His Humour"
11
...
  Who wrote "To His Coy Mistress"?
A) John Donne
B) Andrew Marvell
C) George Herbert
D) Ben Jonson
13
...
 Which poet is known for the line "Death, be not proud"?
A) William Shakespeare
B) Ben Jonson
C) John Donne
D) John Milton
15
...
  Which play features the character of Prospero?
A) "The Tempest"
B) "Hamlet"
C) "King Lear"
D) "Measure for Measure"
17
...
 Who was NOT a Metaphysical poet?
A) John Donne
B) George Herbert

C) Andrew Marvell
D) William Wordsworth
19
...
 Which of the following is a work by Christopher Marlowe?
A) "The Tempest"
B) "The Jew of Malta"
C) "Twelfth Night"
D) "Henry V"
21
...
 Who was the reigning monarch during the Elizabethan Age?
A) King James I
B) Queen Elizabeth I
C) King Charles I
D) Queen Mary I
23
...
 Which playwright is known for "The Duchess of Malfi"?
A) Christopher Marlowe
B) Ben Jonson
C) John Webster
D) Thomas Middleton
25
...
 "The Alchemist" is a work by which playwright?
A) William Shakespeare
B) Ben Jonson
C) John Webster
D) Christopher Marlowe
27
...
 Which poet wrote "Easter Wings"?
A) John Donne
B) George Herbert
C) Andrew Marvell
D) Ben Jonson
29
...
 What is a common feature of Jacobean drama?
A) Utopian themes
B) Dark and complex characters
C) Light-hearted plots
D) Mythological settings

Answers
1
...
  B) Intellectual complexity and wit
3
...
  B) 1603–1625
5
...
  B) George Herbert
7
...
  B) "The Jew of Malta"
9
...
 A) "Doctor Faustus"
11
...
  B) Andrew Marvell
13
...
 C) John Donne
15
...
  A) "The Tempest"
17
...
 D) William Wordsworth
19
...
 B) "The Jew of Malta"
21
...
 B) Queen Elizabeth I
23
...
 C) John Webster
25
...
 B) Ben Jonson
27
...
 B) George Herbert
29
...
 B) Dark and complex characters
These questions and answers are designed to help clarify important aspects of the
Renaissance/Early Modern Period and its key figures and works

---