01. Humanism( 人文主义 ) 1>Humanism is the essence of the Renaissance. 2> it emphasizes the dignity of human beings and the importance of the present life. Humanists voiced their beliefs that man was the center of the universe and man did not only have the right to enjoy the beauty of the present life, but had the ability to perfect himself and to perform wonders. 02. Renaissance(文艺复兴 ) 1>The word “ Renaissance”means “ rebirth” , it meant the reintroduction into western Europe of the full cultural heritage of Greece and Rome. 2>the essence of the Renaissance is Humanism. Attitudes and feelings which had been characteristic of the 14th and 15th centuries persisted well down into the era of Humanism and reformation. 3> the real mainstream of the English Renaissance is the Elizabethan drama with William Shakespeare being the leading dramatist. 03. Metaphysical poetry( 玄学派诗歌 ) 1>Metaphysical poetry is commonly used to name the work of the 17th century writers who wrote under the influence of John Donne. 2>with a rebellious spirit, the Metaphysical poets tried to break away from the conventional fashion of the Elizabethan love poetry. 3>the diction is simple as compared with that of the Elizabethan or the Neoclassical periods, and echoes the words and cadences of common speech.4>the imagery is drawn from actual life. 04. Classicism(古典主义 ) Classicism refers to a movement or tendency in art, literature, or music that reflects the principles manifested in the art of ancient Greece and Rome. Classicism emphasizes the traditional and the universal, and places value on reason, clarity, balance, and order. Classicism, with its concern for reason and universal themes, is traditionally opposed...
