Page 107 - READING COMPANION TO ENGLISH EXAMS

6.3 MOVEMENTS AND PERIODS

The Rebirth of Art and Literature

The Renaissance, which threw aside the restrictive beliefs and practices of the Middle Ages, sparked a
new-found interest in humanism, individualism, and realism. These intellectual movements highlighted the
significance of human potential and accomplishments. Furthermore, the invention of the printing press in
1450 radically changed the course of the Renaissance period. This was because it played a crucial role in
disseminating new ideas by making books and fine prints of famous paintings readily available and affordable
to a wider audience. As a result, individuals from diverse socio-economic backgrounds could engage in pursuits
like literature and art. All these circumstances and advancements inspired people to seek knowledge and
rational thinking, resulting in notable changes in various disciplines, including art and literature. In literature,
there was a shift from moral teachings to individual experiences. Writers like Shakespeare aimed to depict the
complex emotions of people through relatable characters who dealt with their desires, fears, and ambitions and
faced the consequences of their actions. The Renaissance artists also experimented with novel techniques and
materials, which led to the creation of groundbreaking artworks that continue to evoke awe and wonder today.
Leonardo da Vinci exemplified this transition in artistic style. Instead of focusing solely on idealised and religious
subjects, he rendered the world as he observed it, using his deep understanding of anatomy and perspective.
The Mona Lisa perfectly illustrates his success, as her facial expression and the use of light and shadow appear
remarkably lifelike.

a Match the highlighted words and phrases in the passage to the definitions below.
1. : in a way that is done or obtained without difficulty
2. : a special skill or ability
3. : to take action in order to achieve something or to solve a problem
4. : closely resembling the object imitated
5. : the details of a person’s family, education, experience, etc.
6. : to express or perform something
7. : to reject something such as an attitude, a way of life, etc.
8. : in a complete and detailed way
9. : to make someone feel confident and eager to do something
10. : different from anything known before

b Replace the words in bold with the words and phrases given below. Change the form if
necessary.

accomplishment inspire novel throw aside

deal with lifelike radically

1. A study discovered that people tend to hold a more positive opinion of artists who have abandoned their
old style, rather than those who stick to one style.
2. Women writers and artists had to confront the perception that literature and art were male-dominated fields
and were excluded from education in those fields until the 19 century.
th
3. Performers of art can draw inspiration from previous periods and movements, but what sets them apart is
their capacity to include their own unique ideas and perspectives into their creations.
4. Throughout history, humanity has shown remarkable capabilities to generate, advance, and articulate
ideas through art and literature.
5. Michelangelo emphasised balance, harmony, and the ideal form in his figurative works; his statue of David
demonstrates these artistic sensibilities with its realistic and detailed anatomy.
6. The blending of conscious, unconscious, and subconscious elements, along with dream-like storytelling in
surrealism, resulted in profound shifts in how literature is interpreted.
7. The Modernist movement was stimulated by new ideas of improving the language of poetry, aiming to
transform it into a tool for precise description and evoking emotions.
106
Ortaöğretim Genel Müdürlüğü Öğretim Programları ve Ders Kitapları Daire Başkanlığı