Introduction: Renaissance and Early Modernism
Renaissance and Early Modernism are two intellectual literary terms that encompass entirely dichotomous notions and approaches, although they are sometimes used interchangeably. Both approaches contain nuanced yet divergent and powerful elements that shape the literary world at large. The Renaissance was a revolutionary movement that profoundly impacted the ideas and philosophies of 15th-century Europe and beyond. Its effects trickled across borders, influencing and sometimes liberating the thinking of writers, historians, philosophers, and critics.
Epistemological View of Renaissance and Early Modernism
From an epistemological standpoint, the term “Renaissance” originates from French and signifies a revival or rebirth. Essentially, it denotes the resurgence of ancient Greek culture, representing a cultural movement that places significant emphasis on individuals and humanism. While superficially focused on culture, art, music, and the like, a critical evaluation reveals that the movement also tends to highlight elitism.
Jacob Burckhardt was the first scholar to underscore the importance of the Renaissance in the development of human history. In his monograph “The Civilization of the Renaissance in Italy,” Burckhardt emphasized how the development of a ‘republican’ form of government followed the classical Greek and Roman systems.
According to Jerry Brotton, the term “Renaissance” emerged to signify a “profound and enduring upheaval and transformation” from 1400 to 1600. However, these advancements primarily benefited the rich and influential classes, rather than the bourgeois. Ironically, the term “the Renaissance” gained currency in the 19th century.
The Renaissance in Renaissance and Early Modernism
As previously mentioned, the Renaissance predominantly focused on the lives, choices, and issues of the rich and influential class. Consequently, it’s unsurprising that the concerns of the common public and those of women were largely absent from the writings produced during and after the Renaissance period. In fact, women were often depicted negatively and relegated to positions of evil or mere objects to placate male desires and whims (Burckhardt, 1860), thus further marginalizing and subjugating their roles and positions.
The Renaissance primarily centered around the culture, literature, and elitism of ancient Greeks and Romans. However, Marxist scholars sought to delve into the histories of labor and laborers, particularly in relation to class struggle. In addition to Marxists, feminist scholars critiqued Burckhardt’s focus on upper-class men. They argued that the development of the Renaissance reinforced societal divisions into “public” and “private” spheres, wherein women were typically confined to the “private” realm and denied a role in the “public” sphere.
Difference between Renaissance and Early Modernism
Contrary to the Renaissance, Early Modernism is primarily associated with the Annales School of Historians since the 1940s in France and later in England. The term “early modern” gained prominence in the 1970s with the publication of Peter Burke’s works such as “Popular Culture in Early Modern Europe” (1972) and Natalie Zemon Davis’ “Society and Culture in Early Modern France” (1975). However, the term gained significant traction in the United States with the publication of Stephen Greenblatt’s book “Renaissance Self-Fashioning: From More to Shakespeare” in 1980. This work, tinged with Marxism, challenges the relegation of women and critiques the economic disparities highlighted in Renaissance spirit.
Early Modernism encompasses the developments that occurred subsequent to the Renaissance while acknowledging the significance of the classical period. It places greater emphasis on the subsequent developments in modernity and encompasses modernism and postmodernism. According to Lee Marcus (1992), Early Modernism is more inclusive and therefore more appropriate. Marcus argues that Renaissance writings and culture were primarily sponsored by the economically advantaged class, resulting in idealized portrayals rather than accurate reflections.
Conclusion: Renaissance and Early Modernism
Indeed, early modernism heralded a notable departure from the Renaissance in terms of inclusivity and representation. Unlike the Renaissance, early modernism granted voice and visibility to the underprivileged and marginalized segments of society. It also provided opportunities for women writers, elevating their status from mere entertainers to significant contributors and pacifiers. In essence, early modernism emerged as a more inclusive movement, addressing a broader range of societal concerns and issues objectively. It embraced all segments of society and classes, reflecting a more diverse and representative narrative of its era.
Works Cited: Renaissance and Early Modernism
- Marcus, L. S. (1992). (1992). Renaissance/Early Modern Studies. Redrawing the Boundaries: The Transformation of English and American Literary Studies, ed. Stephen Greenblat and Giles Gun, The Modern Language Association of American, New York, 41-63.
- _____ (1995). Cyberspace Renaissance. English Literary Renaissance, 25(3), 388-401.
- Brotton, J. (2006). The Renaissance: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford University Press, UK.
- Hunt, J. (1999). The Renaissance, Routledge.
Relevant Questions about Renaissance and Early Modernism
- How do Marcus’s works “Redrawing the Boundaries: The Transformation of English and American Literary Studies” and “Cyberspace Renaissance” contribute to our understanding of the Renaissance and Early Modernism?
- In what ways does Brotton’s “The Renaissance: A Very Short Introduction” offer insights into the key characteristics and developments of the Renaissance and Early Modernism period?
- How does Hunt’s “The Renaissance” provide a comprehensive overview of the cultural, intellectual, and artistic movements of the Renaissance and Early Modernism, and how does it compare to other scholarly works on the subject?
