Humanism

Definition

Humanism is an intellectual movement that emerged during the Renaissance, emphasizing the value of human beings, individual potential, and the study of classical texts. It shifted the focus from religious dogma to the exploration of human experience, creativity, and reason, influencing various fields including literature, art, and theatre.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Humanism played a crucial role in shaping Renaissance theatre by inspiring playwrights to create works that explored human emotion and experience rather than solely focusing on religious themes.
2. Key figures like Erasmus and Thomas More were influential humanists who contributed to literature and philosophy during the Renaissance, advocating for education and critical thinking.
3. In England, humanism led to the emergence of new theatrical forms and genres, such as comedies and tragedies that reflected human experiences and ethical dilemmas.
4. The emphasis on individualism in humanism encouraged characters in plays to display more complex personalities, making them relatable to audiences of the time.
5. Humanist ideals challenged the previously dominant medieval worldview by promoting a sense of curiosity about life on Earth rather than solely focusing on the afterlife.

Review Questions

• How did humanism influence the themes and character development in Renaissance theatre?
  • Humanism influenced Renaissance theatre by encouraging playwrights to explore themes that emphasized human emotion, ethics, and individual experience. This led to the creation of more complex characters who faced relatable dilemmas rather than being portrayed as mere embodiments of moral lessons. As a result, audiences connected more deeply with the characters on stage, making the performances more impactful.
• Discuss how humanism contributed to the transformation of theatre in England compared to Spain during the Renaissance.
  • In England, humanism spurred a shift towards individual character exploration in plays like those by Shakespeare, focusing on personal conflicts and moral choices. In contrast, Spanish theatre often retained more religious elements but incorporated humanist ideas through characters grappling with societal norms and moral dilemmas. This difference highlights how humanism adapted to different cultural contexts while still emphasizing human potential.
• Evaluate the lasting impact of Renaissance humanism on contemporary theatre practices and storytelling techniques.
  • The impact of Renaissance humanism on contemporary theatre is profound, as it laid the groundwork for modern storytelling techniques that prioritize character development and emotional depth. Today’s plays often reflect complex characters facing real-world issues, mirroring the humanist tradition of portraying individual experiences. Furthermore, the focus on secular themes allows for diverse narratives that resonate with contemporary audiences, showing how humanism continues to shape theatrical expression.

Related terms

Renaissance:

A cultural and intellectual revival in Europe from the 14th to the 17th century that marked the transition from the Middle Ages to modernity, characterized by a renewed interest in classical learning and values.

Classicism: An artistic and cultural movement inspired by the art and literature of ancient Greece and Rome, emphasizing harmony, proportion, and balance.

Secularism: The principle of separating religion from civic affairs and education, allowing for a focus on human interests and rational thought.