Name : Ghozi Fawwaz A

NIM : 183211105/ 5C

Dramatic Studies

Everyman Anonymous + The Renaissance + William Shakespeare

The Renaissance

The Renaissance is the period from the 14th to 17th centuries, which is considered to be
the bridge between Middle Ages and Modern history. It started as a cultural movement in Italy in
the Late Middle Ages period and later spread throughout Europe.

The word 'renaissance' is a French word meaning 'rebirth'. Those who are thought to be
the originators of the Renaissance are trying to recreate the classical models of Ancient Greece
and Rome.

The Renaissance period is the next period of the Middle Ages which is a gap that defines
the classical and modern periods. Often labeled as the Dark Ages, the Medieval period was
marked by several years of famine and pandemics such as the Black Death.

During the 14th century, the philosophy of humanism began to emerge in Italy.
Humanism emphasizes that humans are at the center of the universe and that all human
achievements in art, literature and science must be respected. Instead of relying on God's will,
humans began to act according to their abilities.

William Shakespeare

William Shakespeare (1564-1616) was the greatest English poet and playwright. He was
born in Straford on Avon, a village about 60 miles west of London in 1564. He only attended "the
village grammar school", but low education did not prevent him from becoming a great man.
 He has the capacity and intelligence to read classical masterpieces which can be seen in his
various works. In an effort to start his career, he is actively involved in the world of theater both
as a player, manager, and writing a script.

In writing plays Shakespeare was not so concerned with the rules of classical play. In
tragedy dramas, comic scenes were inserted as an antidote to tension. Such bidders are called
comic reliefs, which are marked by the appearance of people who behave stupidly or comic
servants. However, he still uses five acts as in classic dramas, and the climax scene usually occurs
in the middle of act III. In his tragedies, Shakespeare also ignores the principle of the three unity
of time, place and motion. Scenes move from place to place regardless of distance or time. In
Merchant of Venice, there are sub-plots (storylines) like King Lear, Midsummer Night's Dream,
and other dramas. Shakespeare usually uses a blank verse (rhyme without rhyme) and iambic
pentameter (5 strong syllables). Emotional scenes are depicted in high poetic language, while the
dialogues of lower characters use prose. Shakespeare draws material for his works from history,
fairy tales (legends), and other existing stories, and has created very few stories of his own. But
these materials are processed in such a way that the results become original creations.

Shakespeare's career as a playwright can be divided into 4 periods:

a. Experimental period (1588-1596)

This period is marked by the characteristics of youth, overflowing enthusiasm, excessive

use of language, and use of the "blank verse". Works during this period included Love's Labor
Lost. Two Gentleman of Verona, Comedy of Errors, Romeo and Juliet, Richard III, King John.

b. Development Period (1596-1602)

By this time Shakespeare had demonstrated a greater degree of precision and artistic
proficiency, a better storyline, and a deeper knowledge of human nature. His works during this
period included Midsummer Night's Dream. The Merchant of Venice, Henry IV, The Merry Wives
of Windsor, As You Like It. Twelfth Night.

c. Period of Gloom and Depression (1602-1608)

 By this time Shakespeare had shown a maturity of soul and a pinnacle of artistic
development. His works during this period included Hamlet, Othelo, Macbeth, King Lear, Julius
Caesar.

d. Quiet Period (1608-1613)

This period ended Shakespeare's productive years. His works include Winter's Tale,
Tempest

Everyman

Everyman was first published in England in the early sixteenth century. This British drama
is now thought to be based on an earlier Dutch play, Elckerlijc, published in 1495. It is not known
whether Everyman was ever performed in the era in which it first appeared. The title page says
"Here begins the agreement." This implies that the text may have been intended as reading material.
Often times, writers compile treatises containing dialogue to give additional emphasis to an idea,
in this case preparation for God's judgment. Such works are often made without the intention of
showing. This may be true for Everyman; However, although not practiced, it is clear that the text
was immensely popular, as there are four separate editions from the first half of the sixteenth
century that have survived to this day. Frequent reprints indicate that the text is purchased and
widely read, if not performed.