Unit 11 Arts and Creation

 

Now read the following article about the changes that occurred

in the Renaissance period.

During the Middle Ages (from about 500 C.E. to the mid-1400s) there were no great

changes in the way of life in Europe. People did what their forefathers did before them,

and there were few new inventions or discoveries. Most people believed in what they

were told and did not care about anything outside their lives. One reason for this may

be because only a few people received an education, and books were scarce. Then,

a change began. People became better educated, trade and industry developed, the

arts flourished, and explorers discovered new lands. We call this great change the

Renaissance, which in French means "rebirth". The Renaissance, which took place in

Europe between the thirteenth and sixteenth centuries, was a new stage in the history

of the world.

Some people think that the Renaissance got

started when the Turks took over the Greek city

Constantinople (now Istanbul) in 1453. Greek

scholars left Constantinople and settled in other

parts of Europe. In these new locations, they taught

Greek and shared their precious books. The study of

classical Greek and Roman writers and thinkers began again, and a new desire for

learning spread throughout Europe.

People began to inquire into everything, and some began to question their beliefs and

ways of thinking. In Germany, Martin Luther started a revolt against the conventions

of the Roman Catholic Church. Soon, other Christians agreed that the Church needed

100 English: Grade 11

to change, and several new Christian reli gions were established.

Other people began to think about new types of government that were based on the

democratic values of ancient Greece. Italy, the birthplace of the Renaissance, was

organized into city-states that governed themselves. Though wealthy families and the

Church held much of the power in these areas, the city-states were moving a step in

the direction of government by the people. The most famous political thinker of the

Renaissance was Niccolo Machiavelli. In his book on government entitled The Prince,

he stated that a good leader could do bad and dishonest things in order to preserve

his power and protect his government. Though people in his own time thought that

Machiavelli was evil for saying these things, his book is now famous and modern

political thinkers respect some of his ideas.

The "new learning" taught people to think in new ways, and it also encouraged gifted

people to paint pictures, make statues and buildings, and write great literature. In fact,

some of the best artists of the day did all of these things. As a result, when a person

today is skilled in many areas, he or she is often called a "Renaissance man" or a

"Renaissance woman".

The artistic developments of the Renaissance first happened in the Italian city of

Florence, and then they spread to other Italian cities. As a result of trade and banking,

cities like Florence, Venice, and Milan became very wealthy, and their rich citizens

had both the time and money to enjoy music, art, and poetry. These cities produced

great painters and sculptors, like Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Raphael.

These artists created some of history's finest works of art. For example, Michelangelo

spent four years painting thousands of feet of curved ceiling in the Vatican's Sistine

Chapel. To do this, he had to learn a whole new style of painting. He also had to paint

lying on his back beneath the ceiling as paint dripped down onto his face. Despite these

obstacles, he created one of art's greatest masterpieces.

A new kind of architecture also began in the Renaissance. It blended the old, classical

styles with new ideas. Again, it started in Florence. A cathedral had been started in

1296, but it remained unfinished for over 100 years because no one could figure

out how to build the curved roof that it needed. Then architect Filippo Brunelleschi

invented a new type of dome that was higher and grander than any from the classical

era. The dome marks the beginning of Renaissance architecture.

From Italy, interest in the arts and new ways of thinking spread to other countries.

The Netherlands became famous for great painters; England produced many writers,

including William Shakespeare; and Spain had the literature of Cervantes. The new

passion for learning also led to amazing discoveries in science by Galileo, Kepler, and

Newton. Some of these findings went against the most basic beliefs of the time. For

example, Galileo's discovery that the sun, not the Earth, was the centre of the solar

system got him into serious trouble with many religious people. They forced him to

say that he had been wrong about his discovery, even though he knew he was right.

The development of the printing press in Germany by a man named Johannes

Gutenberg helped more than anything to spread the new ideas of the Renaissance.

Before that time, books were scarce and very expensive because they were written

by hand. Gutenberg discovered how to use a moveable metal type, and his first book

was published in 1455. Printing was a very important invention. With it, books were

made more cheaply and quickly than ever. In addition, most books had been written

in Latin before, as this was thought to be the language of study. However, with the

Renaissance, the middle classes could now afford books, and they wanted books in

their own languages. They also wanted a greater variety of things to read, such as

books on travel, poetry, and romance. Printing helped make the works of the best

writers and all kinds of knowledge available to all.

About the time printing was discovered, sailors were setting out on voyages of discovery.

Now that the Turks were masters of the eastern Mediterranean, it was no longer possible to

trade with India by the old land route. A new way had to be found, perhaps by sailing around

the coast of Africa or perhaps by sailing around the world! There were many explorers

around this time, including Columbus, Vasco de Gama, Cabot, Magellan, and Drake.

Representing countries throughout Europe, these men sailed new waters and discovered

new lands, including the Americas. With all this travel, tools for exploration and navigation

improved, and better ships were made. As people traveled, they gained new ideas that

helped to change their way of living. For example, Europeans now wanted goods—such as

spices, silk, and gold—from far away countries.

The Renaissance didn't begin suddenly when Constantinople was taken over by the

Turks or when the first book was printed in 1455. Forces that brought it about had been

developing for many years as Europeans began to desire and gain new knowledge.

From this new learning came the great changes that we call the Renaissance. These

advancements—from the discovery of printing to a renewed interest in art and literature

and the discovery of new lands—affected almost every area of European life. They

also formed the basis for many parts of our modern life and beliefs. This is why some

people think of the Renaissance as the beginning of modern history.

Broukal Milada

Ways with words

A. Circle the correct meanings of the underlined words.

a. Martin Luther started a revolt against the conventions of the Roman Catholic

Church.

i. styles ii. creations iii. customs iv. writings

b. It blended classical styles with new ideas.

i. separated ii. corrected iii. put side by side iv. mixed together

c. The dome marks the beginning of Renaissance architecture.

i. indicates ii. tells iii. serves as a sign of iv. makes

d. The arts flourished during the Renaissance.

i. were almost forgotten ii. grew and improved

iii. discovered iv. stayed about the same

e. The new passion for learning also led to amazing discoveries in science.

i.enthusiasm ii. emotion iii. logic iv. power

B. Study the examples of phrasal verbs and idioms.

Phrasal verbs

This is the form. Please can you fill it in?

Why are you bringing that argument up now?

Police are looking into connections between the two crimes.

We need to come up with a solution.

Idioms

I lost my head completely.

I can’t believe the weather. It’s raining cats and dogs!

They decided to bury the hatchet and try to be friends again.

Did you notice the diff erence between phrasal verbs and idioms?

C. What do the following idioms mean? Use them in sensible sentences.

a hot potato once in a blue moon a bed of roses

when pigs fly miss the boat zip your lip

fight tooth and nail when life gives you lemon goose egg D. Match the following phrasal verbs with their meanings.

a. break down i. to extinguish (fire)

b. check out ii. to invent a story or lie

c. fed up iii. to quit a habit

d. fill out iv. to remove clothes or shoes from the body, to

depart as in airplane

e. get away v. to die

f. give away vi. to wait anxiously for something or an event

g. give up vii. tired of something or someone

h. look forward to viii. to give something to someone for free

i. make up ix. to leave a hotel

j. pass away x. to escape

k. put out xi. to stop functioning (vehicle, machine)

l. take off xii. to complete a form

Comprehension

A. Answer these questions.

a. What does the word Renaissance mean? Which language is it derived

from?

The word Renaissance means "rebirth". It is derived from French.

b. What did the Greek scholars do in their new locations after leaving the

Greek city?

 

In their new locations, they taught Greek and shared their precious books.

c, How did 'new learning' teach people to think in different ways?

'New learning' taught people to think in different ways encouraging them to paint pictures, make statues and buildings, and write great literature.

d. Describe the artistic developments of Renaissance in brief.

The artistic developments of the Renaissance first happened in the Italian city of Florence, and then they spread to other Italian cities. As a result of trade and banking, cities like Florence, Venice, and Milan became very wealthy, and their rich citizens had both the time and money to enjoy music, art, and poetry. These cities produced great painters and sculptors, like Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Raphael. These artists created some of history's finest works of art.

e. Name the three Renaissance scientists who made great discoveries?

The name of Renaissance scientists who made great discoveries are Galileo, Kepler and Newton.

f. Who developed the printing press? Which country was he from?

Johannes Gutenberg developed the printing press. He was from Germany.

g. Why is the development of the printing press considered as one of the gifts of Renaissance?

The development of the printing press is considered as one of the gifts of Renaissance because it helped make the works of the best writers and all kinds of knowledge available to all.

h. Name the five famous explorers of the Renaissance?

The name of five famous explorers is Columbus, Vasco de Gama, Cabot, Magellan, and Drake

i. Why do some people think of the Renaissance as the beginning of modern?

Some people think of the Renaissance as the beginning of modern history because the Renaissance formed the basis for many parts of our modern life and beliefs.

 

B. What do you infer from the reading? Tick (√) the best answer.

a. Before the Renaissance…

i. middle-class people did a lot of reading.

ii. education was limited to scholars and privileged people.(√) 

iii, people wanted to change their lives but couldn't.

iv. people were eager to learn new things.

 b. Which statement is true?

i.                  The Greeks had a strong influence on Renaissance thinking.

c. What did the Renaissance do?

iii. It caused people to make changes in their lives.

d. What were the major causes of the Renaissance?

iv. printing, reading and learning

Critical thinking

a. Do you agree with Machiavelli's view that a good leader can do bad and dishonest things in order to preserve his power and protect his government? Explain.

Several facts reveal that a good leader can sometimes lose his way and turn immoral and evil. He accumulates political power and wealth in a wrong way. It’s proved that political power and position are like addiction. A person is hardly disinterested in losing the position he holds. When a leader involves in the dishonest activities, he disobeys and breaks the established rules to save his power and protect his position. To prove himself good and honest, and preserve his power and protect his government he makes a series of mistakes.

The leaders whose goal is in search of power, boundless wealth, or the fame that comes with success often appear self-centered. This desire is so strong that leaders break the moral standards which formerly governed their conduct. Many leaders get to the top position by imposing their will on others, even destroying people standing in the way. When they reach the top, they may be suspicious that others are trying to knock them off their base.

Before taking on a leadership role, anyone should ask themselves what the purpose of their leadership is. If the sincere answer is power, position and wealth, leaders are at risk of depending on external gratification for fulfillment.

b. Do you think that art and literature are important assets of a country? Give reasons.

Art and literature have social, cultural and economic value. Since they represent the entire nation, they are our identity. These entities are as equal as other national products.

A piece art or literature carries the cultural and social value. They allow people from different cultures and different times to communicate with each other through images, sounds and stories. Art or literature is often a medium for social change. It can give a voice to the politically or socially marginalized. Their popularity helps the society to gain the world wide recognition.

Art and literature also has utilitarian impacts on society. They not only fulfill the human need for self-expression, but also are economically important. The creation, management and distribution of them create jobs for many. The products of art and literature can contribute to the national income.

 

Relative Clause

Relative clause - used to describes or gives extra information about something we have already mentioned.

Examples:

My sister who lives in England has three children.

She was the most fluent speaker that I ever heard.

We often use relative pronouns (which, who, whose, whom, etc.) and adverbs (where, when, why, etc.) to introduce relative clauses.

Examples:

I know the house where they live.

That was the year when we moved to China.

We came here last year when there was strike in the factory.

Tell me the reason why she began to cry.

He has just come back from Kathmandu, where his grandparents live.

Defining relative clauses give us essential information that tells us who or what we are talking about.

Examples:

He found the things which he wanted.

The girl whom you met in the hall is a dancer.

The tree that stands by the gate bears lovely flowers.

Non-defining relative clauses give us extra information which isn't necessary. We use commas to separate them from the rest of the sentence, unless they come at the end of the sentence, when we use a comma and a full stop.

Examples:

The doctor, whose name I can never remember, is in his clinic.

John was reading a novel, which was interesting.

The king, whose life has been devoted to his country, deserves popularity.

The band, which was made up of ten musicians, played good music.

B. Complete the following sentences with correct relative pronouns and write whether the clauses are defining or non-defining.

a.

That’s the house where I was born.- defining
My aunt Nita, who is a journalist, is coming to visit next week.-non-defining
People who like outdoor activities will love our holidays.- defining
The early 1960s, when the Beatles first started, was a very exciting time in pop culture.- non-defining
My essay on Shakespeare, which I found quite difficult, got a really good mark in the end. - non-defining
The Mayans, who lived in Central America, built many stunning temples.- non-defining
That's the girl whose brother is in your class. – defining
 

C. Join the following pairs of sentences.

a. He is a musician whose albums have been sold millions.

b. Amelia who speaks English and Chinese fluently is from Shanghai.

c. That’s the stadium where Real Madrid plays.

d. Dublin is my favourite city which is the capital of Ireland.

e. The person to whom they spoke was really helpful.

f. This smartphone which I bought last week takes great photos.