The Renaissance

• Some key characteristics of Renaissance literature include a focus on humanism, the revival of classical themes and forms, and an emphasis on individualism and the exploration of human emotions and experiences.
• The Renaissance had a profound impact on society and culture by promoting humanism, encouraging artistic and intellectual innovation, and challenging traditional religious and political institutions.
• In the 14th Century, Europe was transitioning out of its church dominated Middle Ages and embraced a more secular and humanistic view
• The Renaissance was a cultural, intellectual and artistic movement beginning in Italy and spreading into Western Europe
• The Renaissance ended at the end of the 'Thirty Years War' (1618 - 1648), but the spark of classic literature was due to the rediscovery of Greek & Roman Literature
• The Renaissance reached England around 1550 and was prominent during the reigns of Queen Elizabeth I (1558 to 1603) and King James I (1603 to 1625)
• The Renaissance profoundly influenced the life & works of Christopher Marlowe due to new ideas, discoveries, science, art, religion & philosophy
• Doctor Faustus was written in the Renaissance to reflect the dark side of the period's boundless pursuit of knowledge
• Doctor Faustus is intricately intertwined with Renaissance ideals, reflecting the cultural & intellectual currents of the time
• Renaissance humanism emphasized the value of human agency, reason, and the pursuit of knowledge, which Faustus deeply explores as he desired to transcend human limitations
• The Renaissance also saw Scientific Inquiry, where scientists such as Galileo Galilei and Nicolas Copernicus challenged traditional ideas of the Universe
• The Renaissance also saw Scientific Inquiry, where scientists such as Galileo Galilei and Nicolas Copernicus challenged traditional ideas of the Universe, this reflects Faustus's desire to challenge the status quo and explore the secrets of the Universe
• The Renaissance also saw a renewed shift to Secularism, and Faustus explores themes of human ambition & desire and challenges traditional religious beliefs
• The Renaissance also embraced Individualism and Faustus' rejection of traditional authority figures and his pursuit of personal goals reflect Renaissance notions of individualism and self-determination
• In the Renaissance, there was also pseudo-scientific ideas such as necromancy and astrology, which Faustus embraces leading to his downfall, so Marlowe could be warning against the allure of pseudo-knowledge and the dangers of straying from the path of true wisdom and virtue
• In the Renaissance, there was pseudo-religious ideals and Marlowe's 'Doctor Faustus' delves into the theme of pseudo-religious ambition, as Faustus seeks transcendence and enlightenment through a pact with the devil which epitomizes a pseudo-religious transaction, bypassing moral norms & values