The century and a half following the death of Geoffrey Chaucer (1400-1550) is considered the most volcanic period of English history. It was the time England was swept by vast changes. The Renaissance, a European continental phenomenon, is one of the offshoots of the new thinking of the period. Even though Renaissance generally denotes the whole transition from the Middle Ages to the modern world, it is more correctly applied to the revival of art resulting from the discovery and imitation of classic models in the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries. Whereas Renaissance took roots earlier in Italy and France, England was late in embracing it especially in the field of literature because Humanism in England had no decided effect on poetry and prose. In fact, English literature flowered when Italian literature had entered its decadence and when France was also far advanced into literature. Against this background, this study explores the whole concept of Renaissance and its background as well as the various perspectives that critics have brought to bear on it. It delves into English Renaissance in particular, drawing attention to how the phenomenon brought about the repudiation of Italianism and the rise of patriotic exaltation in England. It also draws attention to the revolt against imperialism and the rejection of artistic languor, a development that created room for literature to spring to vigorous life. Drawing upon some representative works, the study finally juxtaposes the theoretical underpinnings that have been identified with the literary practices that arose from them, be they on poetry or drama. That way, the study is able to situate Renaissance in the context of both theory and practice.
Key Words: Revival, art, revolt, imperialism, theory, practice.
