Renaissance Period

The Renaissance period began in Italy in the fifteenth century and moved across Europe, encompassing it by the sixteenth century (Encyclopedia Britannica). It marked an ideological and societal change in thinking among the common folk who were not lords or of a high status. Peasants during the dark ages could only look for a good life for themselves after death, in heaven, and had no hope of change in their status during their lives. The period showed intense change in political, scientific, philosophical, and societal aspects, and this is reflected in the famous writings of the time. Writers looked at the conflict raging around them and it gave them the freedom to write about the changes occurring, and about the world that could be attained after society has fully evolved from the conflict. In addition, a philosophy, now referred to as humanism, was developed. It is a philosophy attaching prime importance to human rather than divine or supernatural powers (The Literature Network). This Renaissance cultural movement moved away from rigid medieval beliefs and revived interest in Ancient Greek and Roman thought. There are many allusions to mythology in paintings of the time as well as in poetry from writers like Petrarch, Boccaccio, and Shakespeare. The intellectual and scientific revolution sparked writer’s imaginations. And the invention of the printing press allowed imaginative writers to more widely distribute their thoughts and ideas (Encyclopedia Britannica). The knowledge that more people would have access to the written word, no doubt motivated thinkers like More, Donne, and Shakespeare. The changes and upheaval in religion, politics and science during the Renaissance, gave people the mindset that if things are changing they too can affect change to go in a particular and desired direction.

"The Prince" by Niccolo Machiavelli

    Machiavelli’s “The Prince” is essentially a guide on how a monarch should rule a country. It’s topics vary from dealing with newly conquered subjects to defending oneself against internal insurrection. It portrays themes like education and good government, which are both departures from medieval writings. Although it’s subject matter is looked upon today as backwards and totalitarian, it was written in 1513 and must be placed in historical context. During the Renaissance period, people were only beginning to look upon their kings and rulers critically and the idea of a ruler needing to be concerned about being a good or bad monarch was revolutionary. "A ruler was justified in his exercise of political power only if it contributed to the common good of the people he served. (The Prince)” Machiavelli knew that the common person’s perception of a king was changing. The concept that Monarchs were considered divine and anointed by God was beginning to be challenged. A King could either be a good ruler or a bad ruler, and the people realized that a king was there to rule in their best interests and cannot continue doing whatever they wanted. Machiavelli also makes many philosophical statements about human nature in “The Prince,” “In time of adversity, when the state is in need of it's citizens there are few to be found. (The Prince)” While remarks like these may have contradicted what some humanists believed about the individual at the time, his philosophical thoughts still demonstrate the intense conflict of ideologies during the renaissance period, revolving around politics, and a focus on the individual. While Machiavelli may have distrusted citizens of the state, he still believed Kings must rule in the best interest of the people, similar to humanists. Machiavelli is remembered for the idea that the end justifies the means, “For although the act condemns the doer, the end may justify him. (The Prince)”  It is important to note that the “end” he is referring to is the preservation of the state, to allow human beings to live securely and in prosperity, a very humanist ideal.

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