The Renaissance Reformation
analytical Essay
1696 words
There is a certain fascination in life when humans at a certain time become retrospective. The Renaissance or rebirth during the Quattrocento period in Italy epitomized this phenomenon. Those individuals involved pursued antiquity with a fervent vigor and passion not seen in the following centuries of the modern age. Among the city-states on the Italian Peninsula, the Florentine Republic was on the verge of being the most prominent center of the Renaissance. Many contributing factors such as the influential families, the various guilds, politicians, and learned individuals propelled Florence to new heights of achievement; these include artistic expression, philosophical views—not seen since the days of Ancient Greece and Rome, diplomacy and government, advanced financial institutions, et al. However, it is important to point out that many habitual remnants of the previous era hitherto were still in existence and profound as well—such as the ecclesiastical dogma of the Catholic Church—which was static and mundane—and a quasi-feudalistic mentality among the population.
Concerning the Catholic Church in general, one must understand that it had excessive control over a significant portion of the populace of Europe at that time. It had virtual control over scholasticism, matrimony, finance, and every aspect of known activity; however, some individuals—influential political figures and upcoming humanists—saw the potential of studying and utilizing the classics.
Resistance to change is a homogeneous trait of human nature—regardless of the time and place. Certain individuals or groups of individuals, who saw that things as there were, began to ask many questions. The humanists of the Renaissance were in a position to understand that...
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Matthews, Roy T., F. DeWitt Platt and Thomas F. X. Noble. The Western Humanities. 7th ed. Vol. II. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2010. II vols.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the renaissance or rebirth during the quattrocento period in italy epitomized this phenomenon. influential families, guilds, politicians, and learned individuals propelled florence to new heights of achievement.
- Explains that the catholic church had excessive control over a significant portion of the populace of europe at that time. however, influential political figures and upcoming humanists saw the potential of studying the classics.
- Explains that resistance to change is a homogeneous trait of human nature—regardless of time and place. the humanists of the renaissance understood that the era preceding theirs was quite ambiguous.
- Explains the medici family's rise to political hegemony during the quattrocento period was the culmination of political meandering, bribery, indirect coercion, nepotism, etc.
- Explains that giovanni di bicci de' medici's benevolence and moderation became apparent after he became chief magistrate of the republic. he proposed a tax reform known as catasto.
- Explains how giovanni's son, cosimo, took the florentine republic to new horizons by accumulating power, prestige, and wealth.
- Explains how byzantine scholars brought ancient greek manuscripts to italy after constantinopole's fall. neo-platonism got a foothold on florentine society when cosimo opened the florentine academy.
- Explains that marsilio ficino was commissioned by cosimo de' medici to oversee and administer the platonic academy.
- Explains that ficino's most memorable achievement during the renaissance was his understanding of the teachings of plato on love.
- Analyzes how pico della mirandola, a florentine academy graduate, would surpass his former mentor in many ways. he was familiar with classical philosophy and literature and studied at the universities of padua and paris.
- Analyzes raphael's the school of athens, a fresco painted around 1510 in the apostolic palace of the vatican.
- Analyzes how ficino, mirandola, and raphael attempted to meld christian doctrine with greek philosophy. the renaissance humanist's inquiry into the past created a never-ending cycle of enquiry until the present.
- Describes the works of marcel brion, gilles cremonesi, and john herman randall.
- Describes the platonic philosophy of james hankins, brian p. copenhaver, and charles b. schmitt. renaissance philosophy.
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- Louisa May Alcottanalytical essayKunitz, Stanley J, and Howard Haycraft, eds. American Authors 1600- 1900. New York: Wilson, 1966. Print.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how louisa may alcott thrived through many trials and tribulations, but with her unremitting passion and determination, she became a well-known author and role model.
- Explains that louisa may alcott was born on november 29, 1832, in germantown, pennsylvania. she was raised in boston and concord, massachusetts.
- Narrates how alcott contracted typhoid fever while volunteering in the american civil war in georgetown as a nurse and wrote letters for hospital sketches, which helped her become known. she published little women when she was thirty-five years old.
- Explains that alcott's literary work is a chronicle of growth and decline, and her books may be grouped into three more or less chronologically sequential genres.
- Analyzes how alcott's use of her life in her writing made it unique and popular through many age groups, ranging from children to elders.
- Describes louisa may alcott's books, including little women, little men, jo’s boys, and hospital sketches, which represent events in her life that were crucial for her writing career.
- Cites douglas, ann, “louisa may alcott.” american writers. ed. leonard unger. sup. 1, part 1.
778 wordsRead More - Ties of the Renaissance and Reformationargumentative essayThe very definition of Renaissance is rebirth and that is exactly what happened to Europe during the Renaissance. It began in the urban society of Italy in primarily the city-state of Florence. The Black Death left the population of Europe very low and because of that combined with the decline of the church power, people began to emphasize individual achievements and show more interest in ancient Greek and Roman culture.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the definition of renaissance is rebirth and that is exactly what happened to europe during the renaissance. the black death left the population very low and people began to emphasize individual achievements and show more interest in ancient greek and roman culture
- Explains italy's city-states were milan, venice, and florence. milan was the center of the main trade route ruled by the visconti family. venice was a link between asia and western europe.
- Explains that renaissance society was made up of 3 estates: clergy, nobility, and commoners. machiavelli wrote "the prince" and castiglione wrote the "book of courtiers".
- Explains that the art during the renaissance depicted the real world. leonardo d a vinci, michelangelo, and raphael created an idealized form that was god-like.
- Analyzes how the protestant reformation divided the church into catholic and protestant groups, while christian humanists pushed for change.
- Explains that martin luther, a monk and professor from germany, was the first to address the issues of the church and fight to get them resolved.
- Compares john calvin and luther, who believed in predestination. calvinism replaced lutheranism and anabaptists opposed the power given to the state.
- Explains that king henry viii broke away from the catholic church and wrote the "act of supremacy", which made him the head of the church.
- Explains that the catholic church decided to reevaluate itself and consider fixing the issues that brought about the reformation. ignatius of loyola founded the society of jesuits.
- Explains the main tie between the renaissance and reformation is christian humanism, which means the center and measure of all things.
- Explains that humanism was also found throughout the reformation and renaissance. both groups wanted change towards a more secular view of things.
1249 wordsRead More - Sacred Music in the Age of Rebirthanalytical essayThe Renaissance has not ceased to be an age of discussion and debate among historians throughout the recent centuries. The vibrant nature of the era marks it as a most fascinating period of history. The Renaissance can be described as an age carrying the essence of “self-discovery and fulfillment, of recognition of human worth, and a dynamic outpouring of artistic activity.” This new world flourishing with art and creative optimism was also steeped in a spirit of “revolt of the Medievalists.” In an effort of “rebirth,” the previous culture of the Middle Ages was rejected, and even scorned. Foundational principles in all fields were overstepped, and old cultural norms were practically obsolete. It was an era whose humanistic philosophy greatly impacted the lens through which man viewed himself and the world.
In this essay, the author
- Explains the rapidity of renaissance music and musical thought, which stands in contrast to all previous music history.
- Explains that secular music didn't exist until the middle ages, and that it was influenced by the church, not the other way around.
- Argues that the renaissance was not the first period in which the church was faced with the need for disciplinary action concerning sacred music.
- States that hayburn, robert f., papal legislation on sacred music, 95 a.d. to 1977
- Describes the renaissance as an age of self-discovery and fulfillment, of recognition of human worth, and a dynamic outpouring of artistic activity.
- Explains how music's practicalities and technical knowledge experienced a drastic change in the renaissance. musicians and music theorists from st. gregory saw music as largely functional.
1259 wordsRead More - Renaissance Art And Art Essayexplanatory essayThe Renaissance era, like a breath of fresh air, rang in a time for change. The people of this era began to view themselves and the world around them in an entirely different way. Out went the thoughts of saints, heaven, and god and came in the view of self. Once only created within the confines of the church, now many talented composers, authors, artists, and architects began creating signed works that focused and expressed the emphasis on humanity. The ideals and values of the Renaissance can be expressed through the art, architecture, and literature of the era.
In this essay, the author
- Explains the ideals and values of the renaissance can be expressed through art, architecture, and literature.
- Describes the renaissance as a secular humanism, which began in italy in the 1300s and spread across europe until the mid 1600s. disease and famine killed europe's population during the fourteenth century.
- Explains that the driving force behind the renaissance was humanism, but that was not the only belief or value during this era.
- Opines that there is no greater evidence of the ideals, values, and themes of this time than looking at the art, architecture and literature left behind. the beauty and brilliance of structures built during the renaissance are a precise nod to classical greek and roman times.
- Analyzes how italian artists, including leonardo da vinci, michelangelo, and raphael introduced the individual and enigma of the natural world into their artistic pieces while also including the expressions of classical and roman traditions.
- Explains that leonardo da vinci was a "renaissance man" who excelled at all of his talents, including the mona lisa, the last supper, and michelangelo's sculpture.
- Explains that architects brunelleschi, michelozzo, and alberti were the top guys in architecture during the renaissance.
- Explains that brunelleschi was considered the first architect during the renaissance. he spent most of his life designing and building the "brunellechi dome".
- Explains that the basilica of santa maria novella consists of typical roman and classical columns, arches, and symmetry. these are prime examples of ideals and values of the renaissance because they are built in greek, roman fashion and were separated from the complex gothic style
- Explains that during the renaissance, many writers, poets, and playwrights began to share their work. the printing press made writing easier and faster.
- Explains that petrarch was known as the "father of the renaissance" and "the father of humanism" in durant's book, the renaissance: a history of civilization in italy from 1304-1576 a.d.
- Explains that the renaissance sought to revive a culture lost with the fall of the roman empire. they placed an emphasis on humanism, beauty, realism, and intellectual thinking on all areas of their life.
1585 wordsRead More - Grace, Free Will, and Human Natureanalytical essayWhen the Renaissance dawned over Europe’s Dark Ages, half a millennium of intellectual thought, long unchallenged, found new opponents on all sides. Aided by the printing press, fresh ideas in science, art, and religion spread freely across the Western World, falling under the scrutiny of an ever-expanding population of the literate. With this widespread intellectual excitement came greater individualism, more celebration of human achievement, and stronger focus on the secular world—a major shift from the heaven-focused outlook of the Middle Ages, in which people felt they were little more than the feeble playthings of fate. But are human beings really capable of good? Are they able to change their destinies through their choices? Three significant Renaissance writers—Machiavelli, Erasmus, and Luther—each provide an answer to these essential questions of the day.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how machiavelli acknowledges that it would be nave to assume that princes, no matter how well they plan, are not ever affected by circumstances beyond their control.
- Analyzes how machiavelli champions the free will and cunning of the elite prince, but he holds the autonomy of masses in low esteem, assuming that mankind is selfish, simple, and fickle.
- Analyzes how machiavelli, erasmus, and luther provide an answer to these essential questions of the day.
- Analyzes how erasmus shares an elitist and negative view of human nature, refuting luther's claim that humans can do no good without the grace of god working through them.
- Analyzes how erasmus compares the grace of god to light, which humans have the power to accept, by their free will, or deny by closing their eyes.
1069 wordsRead More - Time Capsules from the Renaissance and Baroque Time Periodsanalytical essayFiero, G. K. (2011). The humanistic tradition, Book 3: The European renaissance, the Reformation, and the Global Encounter (6th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw Hill.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that two time capsules were found during renovations of the basilica of san lorenzo, florence.
- Explains that the birth of venus, by sandro botticelli, was painted using tempera paint on a canvas that is about 5ft.
- Explains that the lute was a stringed instrument that was played during the renaissance time period. printed sheet music enabled different types of music to pass from culture to culture.
- Explains that the florence cathedral's dome was designed by filippo brunelleschi, drawn in 1420, and reflects the architectural development of the early renaissance period.
- Analyzes how boccaccio's the decameron, a renaissance time capsule, shows the social class difference that was taking place during this time period within the culture. the printing press made in 1450 allowed documentation and information to be printed and passed around the world.
- Explains that the artifacts inside the second time capsule are from the baroque time period. the canvas was an oil painting of the anatomy lesson of dr. nicolaes tulp in 1632, painted by rembrandt van rijn.
- Explains that opera was born during the baroque time period as a form of entertainment. the first opera house was built in venice in 1637, and by 1700 there were 17 new opera houses in italy.
- Analyzes how the third canvas in the time capsule was a drawing of st. petersburg and designed by giacomo da vignola.
- Analyzes how poquelin's play, le bourgeois gentilhomme, shows the influence and class tension that was taking place during the baroque time period.
- Explains that the time capsules have given people an opportunity to look back into history of the renaissance and baroque era and there cultures patterns.
960 wordsRead More - The New Identity of Exodus as a Mythanalytical essayDoyle, Dennis. “Making Sense of Origins.” ASI 111. Sears Recital Hall, University of Dayton. 29 August 2002.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the exodus story narrates the israelites' departure from egypt to sinai. primordial myths distinguish the beginnings of the universe, and how it was created.
- Analyzes how the religious function of the exodus story introduces the major characters that play a role in this myth.
- Analyzes how exodus 1-12 focuses on the social function. the israelites are ruled by the egyptian king in a society embedded with inequality.
- Analyzes how the dissatisfaction with their roles in society made the israelites flee the land of egypt.
- Explains that genuine myths are not completely fictional stories, like the tale of the tooth fairy, but have at least some historical accuracy worked into their stories. history is the rock from which the functions of a myth can build their meanings.
- Explains that the israelites developed a ritual to celebrate their triumphant exit from egypt. this ritual was prescribed by the lord and handed over to moses and to the hebrew communities.
- Explains that the mythical tale of the tooth fairy is a part of american cultural tradition. the biblical story of exodus 1-12 is often misconstrued.
- Explains that exodus 1-12 is one of many valid and valuable myths found in the pentateuch.
- Cites doyle, dennis, and noble, strauss, osheim, neuschel, cohen, roberts. western civilization: the continuing experiment.
1943 wordsRead More - Ray Bradbury's Geniusanalytical essayMagill, Frank N. (Editor); Cyclopedia of World Authors 2 V. 1, Salem Press 1989. Pages used: 235-238.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that ray bradbury isn't the greatest sci-fi writer of all time, but he is most assuredly one of the top 20.
- Explains that the martian chronicles are a classic example of the true nature of science fiction.
- Analyzes how the fourth and final expedition lands on mars in 2005, not knowing exactly what happened to the previous expeditions, but confidant that this third time is a "charm."
- Analyzes how bradbury's imagination makes up for his lack of learning. dandelion wine is an all-out thriller, and something wicked this way comes is a deep look into human evils.
- Analyzes how the book quotes a columnist favorable to bradbury and another who was truly outraged.
- Opines that mr. bradbury was a poor writer who could not base his material on scientific knowledge, but he had an unique style.
- Opines that riley, carolyn (editor); contemporary literary criticism v. 1, gale research company 1973.
- Explains that magill, frank n. (editor); cyclopedia of world authors 2 v. 1, salem press 1989.
- States that magill, frank n. (editor); survey of science fiction literature v.3, salem press 1979.
- Explains that magill's survey of american literature v. 1, marshall cavendish corporation, 1991.
- Explains that magill, frank n. (editor); cyclopedia of literary characters 2 v.3, salem press 1990.
1222 wordsRead More - The Reformationexplanatory essayDuring the 16th Century there was a religious revolution in Christianity throughout Europe. Martin Luther, a German monk, revolted against the Church because of what he saw as hypocrisy of the Catholic clergy and authority against Biblical beliefs. This was counter acted by the Catholic Church in an internal, peaceful and reform minded Catholic Reformation and by a conflicting and fighting Counter- Reformation to stop the spread of his teachings. Martin Luther believed the Clergy’s blatant disregard of duties and rules and the selling of indulgences justified his revolt while the Catholic Church disagreed both internally reforming the Church though rules and regulations and by counteracting and fighting though enforcement to stop it.
In this essay, the author
- Describes how martin luther, a german monk, revolted against the church because of hypocrisy of the catholic clergy and authority against biblical beliefs.
- Explains that martin luther revolted against the catholic church because of hypocrisy of ities and clergy with their disregard of duties and rules which was against biblical beliefs.
- Explains that the catholic reformation began with pope paul iii calling the council of trent which led to a spiritual renewal of the church.
- Explains how pope paul iii started the counter reformation with the creation of supreme sacred congregation of the roman universal inquisition, a committee that had the power to arrest, imprison, and execute suspected heretics.
- Explains that martin luther's revolt against the catholic church was caused by corruption and religious problems of the church.
712 wordsRead More - The Protestant Reformationopinionated essayThe Protestant Reformation Introduction The Protestant Reformation of the sixteenth century is one of the most complex movements in European history since the fall of the Roman Empire. The Reformation truly ends the Middle Ages and begins a new era in the history of Western Civilization. The Reformation ended the religious unity of Europe and ushered in 150 years of religious warfare. By the time the conflicts had ended, the political and social geography in the west had fundamentally changed. The Reformation would have been revolutionary enough of itself, but it coincided in time with the opening of the Western Hemisphere to the Europeans and the development of firearms as effective field weapons.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the protestant reformation of the sixteenth century ended the middle ages and began a new era in the history of western civilization.
- Explains that many bishops and abbots bore themselves as secular rulers rather than as servants of the church.
- Opines that the renaissance and humanism partly introduced and greatly fostered these conditions. love of luxury was soon associated with the revival of greco-roman paganism.
- Explains that the reformation destroyed the unity of faith and ecclesiastical organization of the christian peoples of europe, cut millions off from the true catholic church, and produced a lamentable shallowness in religious life.
- Opines that the reformation caused indescribable suffering among the people in every land in which it found ingress.
- Analyzes how the roman church responded to the reformers' demands with the counter-reformation. the jesuits, founded by ignatius of loyola, aggressively supported catholic doctrine.
- Explains that martin luther was a pivotal figure of western civilization and christianity. john calvin created the patterns and thought that would dominate western culture throughout the modern period.
- Opines that the protestant reformation was a major building block of history, and some would say our country.
1843 wordsRead More