The English Renaissance

Which quote from the text most likely explains Elizabeth I’s popularity?

• “Many people celebrated Elizabeth I’s ascension to the throne, which restored peace after Mary I’s short, turbulent reign.”

• “During her 45 years on the throne, she overcame numerous challenges that came from religious conflicts, political intrigue, and threats of war.”

• “Additionally, Elizabeth supported a flourishing period of cultural achievement that came to be known as the English Renaissance.”

• All of the above.

What information does the following passage (paragraph 5) mainly reveal about the Renaissance?

"Spanning the 14th and 17th centuries, the Renaissance was a vast artistic and cultural movement that started in Italy and spread across Europe. French for “rebirth,” the Renaissance marks a period of time between the Middle Ages and the modern world in which there was renewed interest in the sciences and art. During this time, a movement called humanism began to take shape. In general, humanists relished new ideas and shared a lively interest in the affairs of the world."

• The Renaissance centered around humanism and its belief that the individual was more important than society.

• Only royals and aristocracy were interested in the new ideas that emerged during the Renaissance.

• The Renaissance had a strong cultural and historical impact on European society.

• Italy is credited with beginning the Renaissance movement because of its roots in classical Roman ideals.

Which of the following inferences is best supported by the passage below (paragraph 7)?

"Shakespeare’s tragedies and histories focus on complex individuals who seek to fulfill their full potential while also grappling with painful, difficult dilemmas. At the same time, his comedies are robust with jokes and songs that provide audiences with an escape from their own problems. From Puck to Hamlet and Falstaff to Lady Macbeth, Shakespeare’s canon portrays a complete range of human experiences."

• Shakespeare’s writing was representative of popular humanist ideas of the time.

• Shakespeare wrote plays in many different genres, but his histories were most popular.

• Shakespeare wrote plays that are considered comedies, but the genre had a different meaning at the time.

• Shakespeare is now considered one of the most famous writers, but he was not popular during his lifetime.

"More than 400 years after his death, the poet and playwright is still said to be the world’s favorite author. Shakespeare is beloved for both the characters he created and the language he used in his writing. His ability to absorb and transform different kinds of material, ranging from the political issues of his own time to events from Roman and English history, reflects humanist ideals."

This passage (paragraph 7) adds to the development of the text mainly by suggesting that...

• Shakespeare remains a respected writer whose work is enjoyed to this day

• Shakespeare had a great mastery over his character development and diction

• Shakespeare often infused his work with relevant issues of his time

• All of the above

Which of the following selections best explains why Shakespeare’s works captivated audiences?

• Shakespeare was the first playwright in the world who wrote in the English language.

• Shakespeare hired the best and most renowned actors to perform in his plays.

• Shakespeare introduced themes in his work that the audience could relate to.

• Shakespeare was popular with the royal family and audiences felt obligated to support his work.

Which of the following statements about Shakespearean dramas is best supported by the text?

• Shakespeare’s writing style and meter is consistent throughout his plays.

• Shakespeare’s works all follow a common formula that contain specific elements.

• Shakespeare’s language is known for being base and commonplace.

• Shakespeare’s dramas were not considered to be particularly dramatic.

Match the vocabulary word to its corresponding definition.

• Renaissance

• relating to the English royal dynastic which held the throne from the accession of Henry VII in 1485 until the death of Elizabeth I in 1603

• humanism

• a Renaissance cultural movement which turned away from medieval scholasticism and revived interest in ancient Greek and Roman thought

• armdaa

• a fleet of warships

• monarch

• the revival of art and literature under the influence of classical models in the fourteenth-sixteenth centuries

• Tudor

• a sovereign head of state, especially a king, queen, or emperor

Based on information from the text, order these historical events chronologically:

Groups:

(a) 1st

,

(b) 2nd

,

(c) 3rd

,

(d) 4th

• Henry VIII reigned over England after defeating Richard III.

• James I becomes a patron of Shakespeare’s theatre company.

• Mary I received the nickname “Bloody Mary” due to her persecution of Protestants.

• England becomes a naval powerhouse because of Elizabeth I’s command.

Why was Elizabeth I an important monarch who is still remembered today? Provide two or three reasons, citing evidence from the text to support your response.

What were humanists interested in and inspired by? Explain, citing evidence from the text to support your response.