THE language of humanism it is rational, historical, political and theatrical. It is based, above all, on valuing the human being and on the characters' psychological universe.
Remember that humanism represents a transitional moment between troubadour and classicism. Its main characteristic is its concern with human beings and their emotions.
Palace poetry, historical chronicles and theatrical texts were the most explored by humanist writers.
Main authors and works of Humanism
1. Francesco Petrarch (1304-1374)
Italian humanist, Petrarch he was one of the most important humanist writers. He is associated with the creation of sonnets, a fixed poetic form composed of 2 quartets and 2 triplets.
Petrarca produced about 300 sonnets and from his work the following stand out: Songbook and the Triumph, my secret book and Holy Land Itinerary.
2. Dante Alighieri (1265-1321)
Italian humanist, author of the epic and theological poem entitled “Divine Comedy”.
Dante is considered one of the most important poets of humanism. He wrote several lyrical, philosophical and political texts, of which the following stand out:
New life, Monarchy and the conviviality.3. Giovanni Bocaccio (1313-1375)
Humanist poet, considered the creator of Italian prose. Bocaccio is the author of the novels "Decameron", which presents as thematic of human nature.
In addition to Decamerão, his literary work deserves mention: famous women, philocol and Theseid.
4. Erasmus of Rotterdam (1466-1536)
Dutch humanist, Erasmus of Rotterdam he is the author of several works of a humanist character. His most important work is "The Praise of Madness”, published in 1509, in which he defends the freedom of human thought.
In addition to it, the following deserve mention: Christian Parents, family colloquia and Preparation for Death.
5. Michel de Montaigne (1533-1592)
French humanist, Montaigne is considered the creator of the personal essay literary genre. He published the work “Essay” in 1580.
6. Fernão Lopes (1390-1460)
Portuguese humanist writer, appointed chief chronicler of Torre do Tombo, in 1418. He wrote several texts called historiographic prose.
Fernão Lopes he was the founder of Portuguese historiography and his literary work deserves to be highlighted: Chronicle of El-Rei D. Peter I, Chronicle of El-Rei D. Fernando and Chronicle of El-Rei D. John I.
7. Gil Vicente (1465-1536)
Gil Vicente he was a Portuguese playwright, considered the “Father of Portuguese Theatre” and one of the main humanist playwrights. He stood out with his literary production associated with the theater.
Of his work, it deserves to be highlighted Notice of Visitation, the old man from the garden, Barca do Inferno report and the Inês Pereira farce.
Examples of Humanist Literature
To better understand the language of humanism, here are two examples:
Excerpt from the work “Triunfo da Morte” by Francesco Petrarca
That beautiful and glorious lady,
That today is naked 'spirit and little land,
And it was tall and brave;
He returned with great honor from his war,
Leaving the great enemy already defeated,
That with its sweet fire the world lands.
Not with more weapons than haughty respect,
Honesty in face and thought,
Chaste heart and friendly virtue.
Great surprise was to see such maturity,
The broken and undone weapons of love,
And his vanquished in death torment.
The beautiful lady and the other chosen ones
If they had been glorying in the victory,
In beautiful squad together and close.
There were few, how rare is it to see glory,
But dynas, from the first to the last,
A very clear poem and history.
They bore, by insignia, on the flag
In a green field an Armenian white
Fine gold, and topaz the collar.
Not human, certainly, but divine
Excerpt from the work “Farsa de Inês Pereira” by Gil Vicente
INÊS Renego of this work
And the first one who used it;
Oh devil I give it,
How bad it is to put up with.
Oh Jesus! what a bore,
And what anger, and what torment,
What blindness, and what weariness!
I will find a way
From some other notice.
Poor thing, so I'll be
closed in this house
Like a pan without a handle,
Who is always in one place?
And so they will be cheated
Two bitter days,
That I can last alive?
And so I will be captive
In the power of shreds?
I'll give it to the devil first
No more plowing.
I already have a tired life
Always make a cable.
Everyone is off, and I don't,
all come and all go
Wherever they want, but me.
Huh! and what a sin is mine,
Or what heartache?
Characteristics of Humanism
The humanist movement emerged in the 15th century in Florence, Italy, a city considered to be the birthplace of the Renaissance.
The main characteristics of humanism reflect the concern with human issues where man becomes the center of attention (Anthropocentrism).
The name of this literary and cultural movement is associated with the crisis of feudalism and scientific discoveries. These were essential to bring out the characteristics of Renaissance Humanism.
The ideas were allied to anthropocentrism (man at the center of the world), as opposed to medieval theocentrism (God at the center of the world).
In other words, at that moment, there is a transition from the Middle Ages to the Modern Age, or even, from medieval to classical culture. Finally, Humanism extends from 1434 to 1527, when Classicism begins.
Read too:
- Humanism
- Palace Poetry
- Characteristics of Humanism
See also a video about this movement:
