ENG 695
Spring 2009
Last revised Apr 28, 2009
Guide Questions 3: The
Renaissance-- 14th to 17th Centuries
1. What was the general cultural and historical background in the late Middle Ages/early Renaissance (late 14th, early 15th centuries) that encouraged the revival of rhetoric?
2. What was Humanism and how did it define rhetoric and rhetorical study?
3. What ancient texts were rediscovered in the early Renaissance; how and why were they influential?
4. What were the chief characteristics of early Renaissance "Humanist education"?
5. Who were the prominent figures of Renaissance rhetoric? How was England particularly involved?
6. What reform movements in education affected rhetorical theory and pedagogy? (Ciceronianism, Ramism)
