Key Figures in the Renaissance
History: KS3, topic 5.1.7
Renaissance Figures in Northern Europe
There were influential scholars and figures in the Renaissance who came from Northern Europe. They included Erasmus, Shakespeare, and Sir Thomas More.
Erasmus
- Desiderius Erasmus was a humanist scholar from the Netherlands.
- He was very influential in his time.
- Erasmus wrote 'The Praise of Folly' (1509) which criticised the Catholic Church for corruption.
Shakespeare
- William Shakespeare was a famous playwright from England.
- The influence of the Renaissance can be seen in the themes and characters in his plays.
- He focuses on creating complex characters, such as Hamlet, and themes which explore humanity.
- Shakespeare also looked to the classical world for inspiration. For example, he used figures such as Julius Caesar.
Sir Thomas More
- Sir Thomas More was a Renaissance humanist from England, as well as an author, social philosopher and statesman.
- In the Catholic Church, More is venerated as a Saint for refusing to give up his Catholicism in exchange for his life.
- He was executed by Henry VIII for refusing to accept him as the Head of the Church.
- More is very famous for his book 'Utopia'.
- The book imagines an ideal society.
Test yourself on Key Figures in the Renaissance
Who was NOT an influential figure in the Renaissance?