Notes for Literature & Political Writings - IB | RevisionDojo
Literature & Political Writings Notes
Humanist Literature
Renaissance writers promoted humanism, focusing on classical texts, the dignity of man, and civic responsibility.
Francesco Petrarch (1304–1374), known as the “Father of Humanism,” revived interest in Latin and Greek texts.
Giovanni Boccaccio (Decameron) depicted realistic human characters.
Humanist scholarship encouraged education reforms, rhetoric, and civic participation.
Civic Humanism
Writers such as Leonardo Bruni (The New Cicero) argued that engagement in politics was part of the humanist duty.
Literature linked classical ideals of virtue to contemporary republicanism, especially in Florence.
Civic humanism encouraged the blending of intellectual pursuits with political activity.
Machiavelli’s direct gaze, solemn expression, and simple attire emphasize rationality and realism, core traits echoed in his political philosophy, which separates politics from moral idealism. The portrait underscores his pragmatic character.
Political Writings
Niccolò Machiavelli (The Prince, 1513):
Advocated for pragmatic, even ruthless leadership.
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What did Renaissance writers promote?
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The Renaissance period marked a significant shift in European thought, emphasizing the value and potential of human beings. This movement, known as Humanism, focused on the study of classical texts from ancient Greece and Rome, believing that these works held timeless wisdom for understanding human nature and society.
Humanists believed in the dignity of man, viewing humans as capable of great achievements and moral development
They emphasized civic responsibility, encouraging individuals to participate actively in their communities and governments
The study of classical texts was seen as a way to cultivate virtue and wisdom
AnalogyThink of Humanism as a cultural 'reboot' where society looked back to ancient wisdom to upgrade its understanding of human potential and societal organization.
ExampleFrancesco Petrarch, often called the 'Father of Humanism,' spent his life collecting and studying ancient manuscripts, believing they held the key to understanding human nature.
