The Spirit of the Renaissance in British Literature

Abdelkrim Aoul

Abstract: British literature cannot be studied in isolation from the wider sphere of European trends of literary production. From its early manifestations, British literature has shown clear adherence to the powerful influence of the artistic traditions set by the European Renaissance movement in its different dimensions. Based on this general impression, this article sets out to highlight how the spirit of the Renaissance is reflected British literary tradition. Special focus is laid on how essential philosophical bases such as humanism, individualism, and reformist aspirationsare drawn on as inspiration source of literary production.

Keywords: British literature, the Renaissance, humanism, artistic production, Europe, Britain.