Introduction
Renaissance formed a part of the European history that marked the beginning of the modern world. The process started in the fourteenth century and ended in the sixteenth century with the rebirth of rationalized civilization in Italy. Most writers appreciate the aspect of renaissance after Francesco Petrarch was crowned Poet Laureate, marking its beginning in April 1341. Additionally, the renaissance period was referred to as the transition between the dark ages and the modern civilized world. The period was of significance in history because it promoted scientific, intellectual, and artistic development and improved knowledge of world affairs. Renaissance formed a period of building new aspects of life and displaying consciousness in the development, change, and progress. Scholars to date have failed to understand fully what constituted the renaissance, which makes it interesting for most writers. Renaissance writers concentrate more on the study history of renaissance because of any of the below reasons.
Importance of History during the Renaissance
The study of history is the basic understanding of ancient practices and activities that took place in different cultures across the world. Renaissance writers studied history because it played a major role in understanding the source of civilization in Italy and other European nations. The book entitled “The Civilization of the Renaissance” attracted the attention of many writers because it explained the aspect of the Italian renaissance. Writers loved studying this book because it provided a general overview of how Italians became civilized during the renaissance era. Civilization in Europe started in Italy characterized by the agrarian economy, hierarchical societies, and democratic political systems. Renaissance writers studies history because it helped them understand the beginning of civilization in the world. Moreover, study of history during renaissance assisted writers understands the source of the economic world and how it grew into the modern status.
Secondly, renaissance writers thought the study of history was important because it remains relevant to the modern society. Burckhardt viewed renaissance as a distinctive revolution that played a major role western revolution. Most institutions today make use of history in understanding revolution and civilization. Students apply the knowledge of history from renaissance writers into promoting democracy and development in their respective countries. Additionally, renaissance writers studied history because it integrates the aspect of human experience that explains cultural changes that took place during the renaissance period, and their impact in the modern society. According to Brucker (2005), studying history during renaissance demonstrates how Italian people united in during the Dark ages leading to various achievements observed today in Italy and other European nations. The study of history during renaissance helped in understanding the European politics, social, economic, and cultural aspects shape the modern society.
On the other hand, history during renaissance plays a critical role in understanding how different governments functioned in the past. Different countries demonstrate various forms of governance that are important in the study of history today. Different writers hold controversies on the development of certain cities and towns, like building of Rome. The study of history during renaissance helps in understanding the forms of governments and the type of constitutions that controlled different economic and cultural activities happening in the past. Modern scholars use the past information to develop stories that are sold to institutions, schools, and shops targeting people who want to learn more about European history. Additionally, renaissance writers study history in an effort to assist people understands forms of government lead by the principality, democracy, and aristocracy. A study of these scholarly articles written by renaissance writers helps modern politicians adopt the best forms of governance that will bring prosperity in their leadership.
Renaissance writers also study the history because of its importance in the English poetry. Past Kings and Queens were entertained by English poetry works derived from historical happenings. Writers found it important studying history during renaissance because their work would receive a lot of appreciation from political leaders. For example, the Sonnet poem written by Sir Thomas Wyatt was the most favorite poem for Queen Elizabethan between 1558 and 1603. The poem was a representation of Italian’s form of writing. During the ruling of Queen Elizabethan, writing of poetry formed the main form of education apart from books. Studying history during renaissance helped writers develop good lyrics for their poems leading to the development of the presently known English renaissance. Additionally, the study of history of renaissance prompted the birth of many artists and intellectuals who played a role in restoring philosophical and artistic ideals. With the knowledge of history, renaissance writers would easily incorporate historical events to make their writings more attractive and demanded.
The study of history during renaissance is also important for writers because it helps them build more confidence in their work. Studies in the history of renaissance reveal two important elements. Firstly, historiography helps in recording facts and acts as an integral part of personal-expression. Secondly, historiography is a form of fine art with no mechanical tasks involved. Past historians based their arguments on facts as opposed to modern historians who refer to the past in their writings. The history during renaissance helps writer get facts about certain happenings and organizes them effectively to establish a positive meaning, and fulfill the reader’s desire. Studies in the history of renaissance also fulfill the criteria for the writing of history. Modern writers cannot manage to give the true happenings of the past unless they refer to ancient writers who had thoroughly studies the history of renaissance. Writings like “The History of the Italian Republics” do not bear first-hand information about the Italian revolution and civilization during renaissance, questioning their credibility. Writers study history during renaissance in order to acquire first-hand information and offer readers the best of knowledge about renaissance.
Study of history during renaissance helps modern writers understand different cultures of writing and put them into working. The mode of writing practiced in the twentieth century differs from the method used in the past because modern writers view renaissance as an alien culture. Modern writers and artists have become more remote leaving the aspect of history. Writers have realized the importance of appreciating culture and use renaissance as part of grand narratives that promoted the rise of western civilization. In addition, writers have realized that it is through studying the history of renaissance that one can manage to attract attention of different social groups and cultures.
More so, the study of history during renaissance helps writers and artists develop excellent and unique ideas about politics, culture, and economies of Italians during the renaissance era. The writer develops a good understanding of the social environment of arts through proper narration of events and activities that followed Italian civilization. Moreover, writers and readers understand the connection between arts and politics that plays an important role in promoting growth and development in the modern society. A piece of writing from a writer who studies the history of renaissance differs in many concepts such as creativity, weight of information, and originality from an article written by a person who knows nothing about the history of renaissance.
Conclusion
The study of history of renaissance helps in developing established and effective education system in the twentieth century. The history of renaissance plays a major role in promoting the work of modern writers who focus more on culture, economics, and politics as the major drivers for civilization. Renaissance writers studied history because it assisted them understands Italian civilization and use the knowledge in advising other nations about civilization. Writers also studied history during renaissance because it helped in developing excellent writing skills and producing more original work. It is important to study the history of renaissance because it helps shape life of people in the twenty first century.
Bibliography
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Bullen, Barie. "The Historiography of Studies in the History of the Renaissance." In English
Literature in Transition, 1880-1920, (1-9. 1st ed. Vol. 1. Tempe, Ariz: Dept. of English, Arizona State University, 2007).
Burke, Peter. The Italian Renaissance: Culture and Society in Italy. (USA: Princeton University
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Johnson, Geraldine A. Renaissance art: a very short introduction. (Oxford: Oxford
Nocobne, Yyebhoe. The period of Renaissance in English literature. (n.d).
