The Italian Renaissance Essay Example for Free

The Italian spiritual rebirth EssayIntroductionThe writings of the renascence featured heroism, justice and power, influencing modern political, kind and philosophical ideals. In contrast to the middle ages where censorship limited to motions and genres for literature, the Renaissance served as platform for public commentary and backchat. However, it should as well be storied that though many of the writers of the period had greater independence than other prowessists of the beat from the Church, many of the writers enjoyed patronage by declare political powers or became part of the political machinery of these institutions. In Bondanella and Musas (1987) The Italian Renaissance Reader, the whole kit of some of the most nonable writers of the Renaissance movement provide a glimpse to the evolution of the rationale behind the artistic movement which while adhering to stainless traditions, revived intellectual thinking and exchange.Backgroundthough the Renaissance wa s a reaction to the medieval conservative views and saw the resurgence of arts, literature and philosophy, there was even significant conservatism in sciences. Thus, though many of the writers of the period can be considered to be forward-thinking, the prescription drug of logic and deduction as intellectual disciplines is apparent. mavin advocate of the methodology is Petrarch who highlighted classical sources and scholarship as the standard of reasoning and study (p. 57). This tradition or bolt is apparent in the works of Niccolo Machiavellis The Prince, Giovanni Boccaccios Decameron and Baldesar Castigliones Book of the Courier among other as well (pp. 259, 60, 197).Building from the literature and art revolution of the late 1200s, Italian became the literary language of the period in contrast to previous sense of taste for other European languages. It created not only a nationalistic individuality to literature but also served as reinforcement for state, social and politica l works that Italian writer would be most noted for. Consequently, the development would also support the growth of publishing in the country, particularly Venice, which in turn bequeath further enhance the regard for Italian Renaissance writers. However, despite these changes, religion remained a primary theme in most Italian works. Majority of the works were either reflective of the medieval themes or applications of such(prenominal) themes using humanism.Themes and IdeasItalian writers sought to assimilate classical traditions in their work in the belief that these intellectualized and rationalized their work. One of the most common themes and ideas in the writers featured humanism and self-awareness. The former can be illustrated by Giovanni Pico Della Mirandolas Oration on the Dignity of Man (pp. 180-183). In this work, man is portrayed as an individual whose identity and value is his own and though he is subject to religion, society and the state, remains an individual. As su ch, he is considered twain(prenominal) an actor an object of other actions through the process of living. Self-awareness in turn can be illustrated in the work of Leonardo Da Vinci and Michelangelo Buonarroti (pp. 187-196, 377-381).Though they are most renowned for their contribution to visual art, both these artists notes indicate their belief that art as a product of man is beyond his inspiration or labor. They implied that the work or artists and in a sense all other labors of man, where to be appreciated for themselves beyond their identity as a work of an individual and in turn to understand the artist beyond the work being viewed.Boccaccios Decameron also proved to be inspirational to other writers of the period not only in Italy but in the rest of Europe including the works of William Shakespeare and Geoffrey Chaucer (p. 60). Furthermore, the Decameron is considered to not to represent the characteristics of the Renaissance Italy literature but actually set the pace for oth er writers since Boccaccio was one of the most notable students of Petrarch. In the course of his story of the ten story tellers running from the plague combined religious themes with secular discussion of ethics and incorruptity (pp. 59-61).In all of these writings, there is greater empowerment for men to mold their destinies and the expertness to make choices. Ultimately, the Italian Renaissance writers believed that salvation and redemption depend on an individuals energy and commitment to realize them. In such a perspective, though religion remains to be a predominant power, man is the qualifier of human experience. Moreover, there is greater recognition of mans attain in the life of others as well as his own. In turn, this reinforced the call for greater responsibleness and accountability for ones actions.Impact and InfluenceOne of the most important contributions of Italian Renaissance writers is the establishment of Italian as a language of literature. This would serve a s a foundation for the Italian literary industry as well as the role of the Italian writers as political and social intellectual leaders in Europe.Another notable contribution of Italian Renaissance writers is their influence on other writers of the period such as Shakespeare and Chaucer as well as the development of humanistic ideals and judgment of art. A power structure for living matter was also developed based on a hierarchy of intellect implying that mans greatest ability was the capacity of reasoning. In terms of literary style and composition, characterization and plot development in Italian Renaissance literature influenced the development of experiential chronicle melding religious and secular views on morality, ethics and philosophy.In studying these trends in artistic composition, techniques, subjects and styles developed by Italian Renaissance writers, one will be able to develop insights to the social, political and economic developments brought on by the Renaissance in Italy which cradled both the Renaissance and the period by which it sought to contrast itself. same(p) the visual arts, Renaissance writers often employed illusionism to explore real issues.In doing so, they were able to present social, moral or philosophical commentary without direct conflict with other belief systems and at the same time highlight the value of systematic and scholastic study. In doing so, it brought into popular arenas intellectual discussion reminiscent of classical scholastic traditions. However, though there was significant reference to classical traditions, Italian Renaissance writers recognized the deviation between philosophy and science which persists to contemporary studies as well.ReferenceBondanella, Julia Conaway and Musa, Mark (1987). The Italian Renaissance Reader. sunrise(prenominal) York Penguin Books