Critically examine the role of the Renaissance in the growth of the Elizabethan Drama. (MEG 103) (RISE OF ELIZABETHAN COMEDY AND TRAGEDY)

The Renaissance was a period of great cultural, intellectual, and artistic growth that began in Italy in the 14th century and spread throughout Europe over the next several centuries. The Elizabethan era in England, which coincided with the height of the Renaissance, saw a tremendous growth in drama, with the works of William Shakespeare, Christopher Marlowe, and other playwrights establishing a new standard for English theater. The role of the Renaissance in the growth of Elizabethan drama was significant in several ways.

First, the Renaissance brought about a renewed interest in classical Greek and Roman literature, which had a profound impact on Elizabethan drama. Playwrights such as Shakespeare and Marlowe drew heavily from classical sources, adapting and transforming them into works that were uniquely Elizabethan but also reflected the ideals and values of the classical world. The use of classical themes and motifs helped to elevate the status of drama as a serious art form and helped to establish a new standard of excellence in English theater.

Second, the Renaissance was a time of great experimentation and innovation, and this spirit of exploration and creativity was reflected in Elizabethan drama. Playwrights such as Shakespeare and Marlowe were not bound by the strict conventions of earlier forms of drama, such as the Mystery and Miracle plays. Instead, they were free to explore a wide range of themes and subjects, from love and romance to politics and history, and to experiment with new forms of storytelling, such as the use of soliloquies and asides to reveal a character's inner thoughts and motivations.

Third, the Renaissance was a time of great social and political upheaval, with new ideas and perspectives challenging traditional norms and values. This spirit of questioning and skepticism is reflected in many of the plays of the Elizabethan era, which often dealt with themes such as power, corruption, and the struggle between good and evil. The plays of Shakespeare and Marlowe, in particular, were often highly critical of the established order, and helped to pave the way for the emergence of new ideas and attitudes in English society.

In conclusion, the role of the Renaissance in the growth of Elizabethan drama was significant in several ways. It brought about a renewed interest in classical literature, encouraged experimentation and innovation, and reflected the spirit of questioning and skepticism that characterized the era. Together, these factors helped to establish a new standard of excellence in English theater, and set the stage for the continued growth and evolution of drama in the centuries to come.