Sir Thomas More s Utopia And Edmund Spenser s The Faerie...

The sixteenth century brought many to focus more abundantly on the internal trials rather than the outward appearances of individuals. This caused various writers and philosophers to begin evaluating the importance of every person. Because of this, the idea of renaissance humanism was inevitably created. In simple terms, humanism is the belief that every individual, putting aside his or her rank, is of equal importance. A better understanding of renaissance humanism can be reached after reviewing the shift in society, religious change, and moral belief of the sixteenth century. Many literary works, including Sir Thomas More’s Utopia and Edmund Spenser’s The Faerie Queene, helped to shape the ideals of renaissance humanism. These†¦show more content†¦Queen Elisabeth greatly enjoyed this piece of literature and, soon after, became Spenser’s patron, allowing him to devote his time to write. His belief in humanism and a new way of living, provided by the que en, helped him to continue writing about issues in society that were yet to be resolved. He wrote freely and with a strong opinion concerning all matters, especially religion. As society began to shift, religious views began to transform in England, due to many conflicting political events. King Henry VIII’s reign was an awakening for many living in England during the sixteenth century. Thomas More was no exception. As a writer, More had the ability to publish his views about the change in politics, society, and religion. As religious views began to shift, and King Henry VIII separated from the Catholic church, Thomas More held firm to his belief in the Catholicism. His views on humanism thrived off of his standing in the Catholic church. He continued to defend humanism and catholicism relying in the knowledge that â€Å"...language is directed out to the social community in the effort to stimulate moral or political response† (Baker-smith 1). More hoped to convince the public eye of King Henry VIII’s misuse of power and moral judgement. This was a common idea he continually used throughout the remainder of the renaissance period. The belief that humanism could change the way people lived and acted each day inspired Spenser to help