Assignment

Instructions:

One of the primary defining markers of the Renaissance is a growing emphasis on the individual. This emphasis might take the form of an extended discussion of private romantic love, which is shown in the sonnets assigned for this week, or private perspective, which is evident in Montaigne's essays. It might take the form of a markedly pragmatic political philosophy, as you see in the selections from Machiavelli. It might be defined by a greater emphasis on individual salvation, as demonstrated through Protestantism and seen in the work of John Milton.

Select one example from this period that emphasizes individualism.

Write a 700 word paper analyzing the following questions:

1. How this author or work responded to earlier writers working on the same topics?

2. How this author uses the theme of individualism in comparison to other works of the Renaissance?

3. How this emphasis shaped the work's literary qualities?

4. What current society can learn from the work you discuss?

Format your assignment according to appropriate course level APA guidelines.