What is Renaissance?

The term ‘Renaissance’ means ‘rebirth’ or ‘revival’. It was a revolution which revived the spirit of Greek and Latin leaning, and broke down the rigid conventions of the Middle Age. It began in Italy in the late 14th century and continued, both in Italy and other countries of Western Europe, through the 15th century and 16th century. It reached England late in the 16th century and did not flourish until the Elizabethan and Jacobean periods. 

Through a new spirit of inquiry, of criticism, a passion for science accompanied by a sense of individualism and pragmaticism, Renaissance ushered new hope and aspiration for human life. It liberated man from the slavery of religious ideals and rationalized him, and thus marked the end of Middle Age and the  ginning of the modern world. The new age was characterized by the spirit of adventure, love for beauty, love of excellence, power and pelf. Writers of that age embraced these spirits and exposed them in their works. The writings of Christopher Marlowe, Francis Bacon, Edmund Spenser and William  Shakespeare reflect the Renaissance spirit. 

Francis Bacon is one of the chief exponents of the Renaissance. Obviously his writings especially the essays are a reflection of the spirit of the Renaissance. In his essay “Of Studies”, Bacon treats studies in the light of its utility that is how a man can be benefited worldly by studies. Besides, his use of classical quotations, figures of speech and individuality in handling the subject — all are typical of Renaissance. 

Bacon's pragmatic view of studies is a fundamental characteristics¢ of hie Renaissance spirit. His classification of books {s entirely based on the use of books His suggestion to read books is to gain material benefit So, “some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested." 

The Renaissance is an age of reason and scientific inquiry. This characteristic is thoroughly exemplified through Bacon’s analytical style. In “Of Studies” he presents a point and analyses it in the following sentences. 

The revival of classical learning is a hall mark of Renaissance. Bacon uses classical quotations to enrich his writings as well as to suit his purpose. In “Of Studies” he cites from Ovid, “Abeunt studia in mores”. Moreover, his abundant use of similes and metaphors from various branches of knowledge reflects the high spirits of the age. " 

All these distinct qualities of Bacon’s writings once again mark his individuality. He is pragmatic in his attitude, analytic in thinking and scholarly in style. Thus Bacon’s “Of Studies” is a product of a Renaissance man who represented most salient features of the age.