Connection Between Renaissance and Classics

[halukballi]

Hello all,

I need help about writing an essay on the connection between Renaissance and (Greek and Rome) classics. Before asking my question, I want to learn whether this is the right place for me to ask this.

Thank you.

[PeterL]

The rebirth of ancient knowledge was why it was called the Renaissance. I don't know how much you will learn about it here, but you can ask.

[Jackson Richardson]

Are you taking about painting, architecture or literature?

[halukballi]

Are you taking about painting, architecture or literature?

I am writing an essay on how classics can have traces on Renaissance literary texts. But I have not been able to come up with an argumentative thesis statement. My current thesis statement is:

With the rise of Renaissance, people turned more to the cultural heritage left from ancient civilizations like Greece and Rome and the literary texts of the time bear traces from ancient literary tradition either in the form or context.

What do you recommend me in order for me to make it more of an argumentative statement? I always have this problem while writing an essay; it seems too descriptive.

I will use the texts below to write the essay:

-The Courtier by Hoby
-Sonnets by Sidney
-Doctor Faustus by Marlowe
-Two travel narratives on Nova Albion and Virginia

[OrphanPip]

What level of schooling is this essay for? My first impression is that the subject is too broad to be comprehensively covered in an essay. Your impression that your thesis is essentially descriptive rather than argumentative seems right to me; not many reasonable, informed people would disagree that Classical texts have influenced Renaissance works. Ask yourself why a particular text, or set of texts, use Classical allusions in a certain way you find notable, that will focus you more on a suitable thesis.

[JHG]

I agree with Orphan, above. Better to find a specific connection for such a task. The connection that jumps out to me is Aristotle's Poetics >> Sidney's "Defense of Poesy." Aristotle uses contemporary examples, as does Sidney - so the primary sources are all within. That's a gimme!