2018 – 2024 Paper 2 is a period-based paper.
THE ENGLISH RENAISSANCE (1509–1660)
- Renaissance was a period of ‘rebirth’ of classical ideas and art forms.
- Renaissance literature refers to European literature influenced by the Renaissance.
- Renaissance varied across continent depending on predominant religion.
- Earliest Renaissance literature appeared in Italy in the 14th century.
- Influence of Renaissance spread at different times to other countries and continued to spread around Europe through the 17th century.
- Development of new literary genres and metrical forms.
- Development of printing press encouraged authors to write in local vernacular.
- Characterised by the influence of classics in literature, language, and philosophy, and development of new ideas and art forms.
- Characterised by the adoption of a humanist philosophy and the recovery of classical antiquity.
- Explored changes in society, including an increase in literacy and the end of feudalism, and their impact on morality and identity.
- Includes idea of governance and kingship, writing and patronage (and censorship), ethics and philosophy, and religious conflict in early modern England.
- Renaissance ideas spread through printing press using movable type.
