The 15 most representative literary works of the Renaissance

literary works of the renaissance

Is considered "rebirth"To the period from 1400 to 1600 AD, that is, from the XNUMXth to the XNUMXth century. This was a cultural movement that began in Europe, where although the most changing aspect was literature, innovations in the field of science could also be noted.

The movement sought re-adopt humanistic ideas, that allow to find a new meaning to the human being and the world where it lives. It was like going back to the time of Greco-Latin culture, only now a cultural model was adopted in which nature had a more important place; which was taken from him by the dogmatic and rigid ideas that prevailed on the European continent in medieval times (this movement was a transition from the Middle Ages to the modern).

At that time, a large number of literary works of the Renaissance came to light, which not only made an impression in those years, but also many of them remain today some of the best in the world. For example, Don Quijote de la Mancha written by Miguel de Cervantes, the most translated and sold work in the world (without taking into account the Bible), where in practically all the countries of the world it is studied in schools and universities.

Like that example, there are even more works. You just have to look back and go through some periods of time from the Renaissance past and look for the famous people who with their works captivated millions of people around the world.

Furthermore, there are not only novels in Renaissance literary works; we can also find poems, essays or theater, for example, since literature is made up of various genres. However, you will notice how most of the works are novels, essays and even a treatise (Machivelo).

Utopia by Tomas Mora

The term "Utopia" was coined by Tomás Moro, the creator of the novel of the same name. Its meaning is, in a literal sense "no-place", which refers to a non-existent site when the author wanted describe an idea societyl (although years later the word acquired another definition). In addition, the full name of the work is "Book of the ideal state of a republic in the new island of Utopia" and its publication dates from the year 1516.

The work is divided into two parts. The first being a dialogue in which the author uses the description to detail the different areas of England in the years of the Renaissance (XV and XVI); while the second focuses on a character who narrates what life is like on the "non-existent" island in areas such as politics, philosophy or art, which were totally different from other societies at that time.

Essays Miguel de Montaigne

Essays Miguel de Montaigne

Tests it is also one of the most popular and representative literary works of the Renaissance. It was written by Michael de Montaigne and published in 1580, that is, in the XNUMXth century. Besides, the author is considered one of the main exponents of French humanism at that time.

This work is a compilation of 107 essays, which is why it bears that name. What is shocking is not only their content, where it is found from brief thoughts, to real essays where it makes use of philosophy stoic o skeptical and others full of experience or personal experiences; but also the way in which they were written, since in the creation of the work, Montaigne thought aloud while his secretaries took notes.

The prince of Nicholas Machiavelli

The prince of Nicholas Machiavelli

This is the Renaissance literary work most popular of Machiavelli, a political philosopher and civil servant of the Renaissance period, which was considered the father of political science; In addition, his name served to define the words "Machiavellian and Machiavellianism." There is no exact publication date, but it is thought to have been between 1531 and 1532.

The prince is not a book or history, but rather a treatise (literary genre that allows the presentation of specific knowledge in an orderly way) of a political nature. Which was intended to explain to the rulers of the time (princes) the correct way in which they should govern if they wanted to remain in power.

Eulogy to the madness of Erasmus

Eulogy to the madness of Erasmus

In the Middle Ages, Erasmus (1467-1536) was considered one of the most illustrious humanists on the European continent, something he demonstrated with his work "The Praise of Madness" published in 1511 and which he also dedicated to his friend Thomas More.

The work is an "essay" that begins with a fragment of satirical tone, in which it covers topics such as superstitions, the bad practices of the Church and pedants; and then develop a highly particular theme, the advantages of ignorance over reason and logic, which allows human beings of different social classes to smile despite the various situations in which they find themselves.

Don Quixote de la Mancha by Miguel de Cervantes

Don Quiote de la Mancha by Miguel de Cervantes

"Don Quijote de la Mancha" is considered the best literary work in the world, which was written by Miguel de Cervantes and published its first part in Spain in 1605 and the second ten years later, that is, 1615.

Cervantes's novel was the forerunner of the modern novel and also the polyphonic one (a combination of different ideas and thoughts through the perspectives of the different characters). In it, the burlesque tone was also used, something that happened for the first time at that time and that finally moved away from the courteous and chivalrous tone.

The work is not only a parody of chivalry books from then, but also the author took the opportunity to criticize Spanish society and even indirectly invited readers to reflect on various areas, such as justice, love or faith. All this under a creative and original argument, from a middle-aged man from La Mancha (50 years old) who, after having read a large number of chivalric books, decides to dress up as a knight and go live his own fictional adventure and in which many characters take advantage or make fun of him and his partner, Sancho Panza. Achieving in the end that Don Quixote regains his sanity after his negative experiences, but in return, he loses his life.

The life of Lazarillo de Tormes

The life of Lazarillo de Tormes

This is also part of the best literary works of the renaissance Despite not knowing the author of it, that is, the creator of this Spanish novel is anonymous (although there are several candidates to whom the work has been attributed, but it has not yet been possible to find the real one). In addition, it is the precursor of the subgenre "picaresque novel" thanks to the use of various elements that were not altogether common at the time.

This work recounts the life of Lázaro de Tormes from his birth to his marriage, in which the author touched on social issues such as vices or hypocrisy, especially that of important figures of religion. It is written in an autobiographical way, so the narration is by Lázaro himself recounting his experiences and experiences, as well as his encounters with a clergyman, squire, friar of Mercy, buldero, chaplain and finally, a bailiff.

Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare

Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare

This tragic work of William Shakespeare (English playwright, actor and poet) is also one of the best Renaissance literary works, both of the author and universally (as well as Hamlet, although "Romeo and Juliet" was more represented). The date of publication is 1597 and it was published in the English language.

The play consists of a story of two lovers who could not be together because their relatives were rivals. However, both decided to escape, marry clandestinely and live together; but this revaluation, together with a large number of events, causes the couple to prefer to commit suicide rather than live without each other. Ironically, when the two families die, they reconcile.

Hamlet by William Shakespeare

Hamlet by William Shakespeare

William Shakespeare reappears with another tragic play that he published in 1605, which he called "Hamlet", this being a play based on both the legend of amleth and in Ur-Hamlet, and it is also the longest of the author.

The story consists of King Hamlet of Denmark, who was assassinated by Claudius (the king's brother). From there, the son of Hamlet appears the ghost of his father asking for his help to take revenge on the murderer.

The most prominent themes of the play are revenge, betrayal, hypocrisy or even incest. In addition, it is evident how the pain of the death of his father makes the son transform this "grief" into excessive anger.

It really is a classic and one of the best Renaissance literary works in English literature, as well as two other works by the author (Romeo and Juliet, and Macbeth).

We hope that these literary works of the Renaissance are to your liking, since they really are classics that any lover of literature should read. Do not forget to share it on your social networks, since surely someone may be interested.

The good love book of Arcipreste de Hita

The good love book of Arcipreste de Hita

It is another of the great examples of Renaissance literature. In it, we will find his introduction, where the author makes clear the meaning of the work. Then there is the autobiography, although with many elements of fiction, which is already the book itself. A work that recounts different loves with different people. But not only that, but the work is accompanied by fables or stories that provide more information and a joyful touch that you like, a lot.

There is an allusion and also adaptation to a medieval comedy that comes from the hand of the characters of Don Melón and Doña Endrina. Satires and parodies are not far behind either. What makes it another of the great jewels of this period that must always be taken into account.

Shakespeare's Midsummer Night's Dream

Shakespeare's Midsummer Night's Dream

Again Shakespeare shaped another of the most important plays. It is a comedy that was written about the year, 1595. It recounts all the details that are generated around the Theseus's wedding to Hippolyta. He is the Duke of Athens and she is the Queen of the Amazons. The love story is combined with many dreams but also with magic, since fairies are always present. As it could not be less, there were also later versions and it was taken to the world of cinema on several occasions.

Dante's Divine Comedy

Dante's Divine Comedy

The exact date on which Dante's Divine Comedy was written is not known for sure. But it is known that it is one of the masterpieces of Italian literature and also universal. What this book tells us is everything that has been learned over the years. From the most classical times to medieval times.

In it he reveals his beliefs, especially religious as well as philosophical. Much reference is made to mythological characters. And it is that many have defined it as a religious poem that puts topics such as sin or the gods on the table. In its structure we have several parts: Hell, Purgatory and Paradise.

La Celestina by Fernando de Rojas

La Celestina by Fernando de Rojas

Fernando de Rojas was a Spanish writer, specifically from Talavera de la Reina. He is known mainly for having given life to La Celestina. It has always had numerous interpretations but what we are clear about is that it tells the story between Calisto and Melibea. A love story, tragicomedy dating from the late XNUMXth century.

At that time it was common to use a person to act as an intermediary between two people. So that dating or encounters took place between lovers. In addition to the story itself, the qualities and depth that each character shows are also impressive. Although it seems that Fernando de Rojas what he liked was create two characters to complement each other and thus the character of each one of them is really forged.

Doctor Faustus by Marlowe

This book talks about auspicious who is a very famous character in German culture. So we can say that it is a classic tale. Nor is there an exact date of the book's edition, but it is believed that it would not be very far from 1593. roughly we can say that it is a tragedy.

Although, as usually happens, and almost naturally, we will also find touches of comedy. It has both good angels and others that are not so good. A combination that also encompasses the seven deadly sins.

The death of Arthur of Malory

the death of arturo

It is one of the best known works and it will narrate the death of Arturo, as its title indicates, although it is not one of the oldest titles of this genre. Be that as it may, there are parts where it can really be said that the material is unpublished from Maloy. But in others, it is an adaptation.

How could it be less, it is true that in addition to talking and narrate the previous events in the life of King Arthur, he also does it on the knights of the round table. Numerous adventures that are also essential to be able to understand the story well. Arturo, Merlin or Morgana will be present in the narration.

Gargantua and Pantagruel

gargantuan

Well, we did not want to dismiss this selection of literary works from the Renaissance without talking about French works. In this case, these are five novels that were written by Francois Rabelais. In them we will find the adventures of two giants.

One is Gargantúa and the other Pantagruel, who is his son. The story is written in a satirical way and with very extravagant brushstrokes for its time. Without forgetting the insults that are professed and other somewhat eschatological traits, but that have not gone unnoticed. Becoming another of the works to consider.


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