NEB Grade : 11 (English) Unit- 11 Arts and Creation Why Is Renaissance Important? -- By Broukal Milada

 

Unit- 11 Arts  and Creation

Why Is Renaissance Important? - By  Broukal Milada

Before you read.

a.      Why  is this painting famous for?
– ...for her smile, eyes, gaze, background landscape and beauty of the object and so on.
b. Name any three famous writers/ artists of Nepal. Also describe why they are famous for?
1. Dil Bahadur Chitrakar:-One of the Famous Artists of Nepal -for ironic painting.
2. Arniko:- The Most Famous Artists of Nepal - for a golden stupa in Tibet
3. Bidhata K.C:- One of the Famous Artists of Nepal - for socializing painting.
 

Milada Broukal : Author
·        Milada Broukal has taught English for over thirty years in North America and Europe.
·        She has worked in all areas of the field, including syllabus design, teacher training, classroom teaching, and has been Director of Study of her own school.
·         She is the author of over 30 successful textbooks including the series Weaving it Together, The Thomson Heinle Test Preparation Assistant series, and the recently published Check it Out! series.
·        Milada holds two Master's degrees.

Note: The Black Death/Black Plague/Bubonic Plague (1347-1350) was a pandemic that devastated Europe and Asia populations. The plague was an unprecedented human tragedy in Italy. The Black Death marked an end of an era in Italy. Its impact was profound, resulting in wide-ranging social, economic, cultural, and religious changes.

Why is Renaissance Important? – by Broukal Malida 

Summary/ Main Points

¢ Literally, “Renaissance” means ‘rebirth’ or “reawakening” and the name refers to the rebirth of classical especially Greek learning, often centuries of comparative neglect. But this revived interest is only part of a larger change in point of view. It is related to a questioning of tradition, the rise of a scientific spirit, emphasis on the complete development of the individual, and a concentration of attention on this present world rather than the next.
¢ Renaissance took place in Europe between 13^th and 16^th centuries with a new stage in the history of the world. Characteristics of the Renaissance include a renewed interest in classical antiquity; a rise in humanist philosophy and radical changes in ideas about religion, politics, and science.
¢ Some people believe that the Renaissance began with the invasion of the Turks over the Greek city (Now Istanbul) in 1453 as at the time many Greek scholars left the place and settled different parts of the Europe and with their new locations and thought they shared precious books and a new desire for learning spread throughout Europe.
¢ In Germany, Martin Luther started a revolt against the conventions of the Roman Catholic Church and soon the Christians agreed to  change several rigid  thoughts related to  Christianity.

Renaissance began in Italy:

¢ Most historians consider the city-states of Northern Italy, particularly Florence, to be the birthplace of the European Renaissance. It is generally believed to have begun in Italy during the 14th century, after the end of the Middle Ages, and reached its height in the 15th century. Primarily, the Renaissance began in Italy because of followings: 
1.     It had been the heart/home of the Roman Empire.
2.     Extensive scholarly activity recovered vital ancient works.
3.     Its city-states allowed art and new ideas to flourish.
4.     Vast trading links encouraged cultural and material exchange.
5.     The Vatican was a rich and powerful patron.
6.     It was inspired by humanism, and it was the rediscovery of ancient Western learning.
¢ In the same way, the most famous political thinker of Renaissance of was Niccolo Machiavelli in his book entitled “The Prince” he stated that a good leader could be bad and dishonest thins in order to preserve his power and protect his government. During the time people took him and his saying as evil but today his book and thought is famous most political thinkers respect.
¢ The artistic developments of the Renaissance first flourished in  Italian city, Florence, and then to other Italian cities like Venice and Milan which became very wealthy not only in music, art and poetry but also in finance and time. These cities produced great painters and sculptures such as Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci and Raphael. The burning example and one of the finest art creations was the Vatican’s Sistine (Curved feet in ceiling).
¢ A new kind of architecture was introduced by the architect Filippo Brunelleschi who invented a new type of dome, higher and grander than any form of classical era.

 The concept of Renaissance Man and Renaissance Woman

¢ Renaissance man, also called Universal Man, Italian Uomo Universale, an ideal that developed in Renaissance Italy from the notion expressed by one of its most-accomplished representatives, Leon Battista Alberti (1404–72), that “a man can do all things if he will.”
¢ Renaissance women refer to women like that of the Middle Ages, were denied all political rights and considered legally subject to their husbands. Women of all classes were expected to perform, first and foremost, thduties of housewife.
¢ Interest in the arts and new ways of thinking developed to other countries. Consequently, England produced writers like Shakespeare, Spain had the literature of Cervantes and many amazing new discoveries came into existence in science by Galileo (the Sun, not the Earth at the centre of the Solar System), Kepler and Newton.
¢ The development of Printing Press- a very significant invention, in Germany by Johannes Gutenberg spread the new ideas of the Renaissance. It helped make the works of the best writers and all kinds of religious as well as philosophical knowledge available to all.
¢ By the invention of Compass, sailors like Columbus, Vasco de Gama, Magellan, and Drake set out far away on the voyages of discovery and discovered new lands like the Americas. It developed tools for explorations and navigations, better ships and better concept of export and import in trade.
¢ Thus, Renaissance did not  begin suddenly when Constantinople was taken over by the Turks or when the first book printed in 1455 rather through a long process of many years, it came into existence.

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

C. What do the following idioms mean? Use them in sensible sentences.
a. a hot potato-  a controversial situation-
The issue of gun control is a political hot potato in the United States. /The legality of abortion is a hot potato in many countries around the world.

 b. once in a blue moon- not very often or rarely-
 I think my grandson doesn't love me anymore, he comes to see me only once in a blue moon.”

c. a bed of roses- easy or comfortable situation or activity-
 Making money is not a bed of roses, so wake up early and go to work./
The life of the royal family is a bed of roses in Great Britain.

d. when pigs fly- something that will never happen/ impossible-
I asked my boss if I could go on a two month vacation, he said yes, when pigs fly!
 I think he'll pay you back your money – when pigs fly. 

e. miss the boat- miss an opportunity-
 I am 30 and still unmarried. My parents think that I have missed the boat.

f. zip your lip- shut up
 He said that everyone had to zip up their lips until the presentation was over.

g. fight tooth and nail- to fight with great ferocity-
 I want this job so I'm going to fight tooth and nail for it

h. when life gives you lemon, make lemonade- change something negative into a positive – (turn bitter to sweet-wine)
My Uncle lost his job but started his own business. He said to me 'when life gives you lemon, make lemonade'.

i. goose egg- a score of zero - Last month's revenue for the company was a big goose egg./  She was crying and replied that we had a goose egg in the project.

D. Match the following phrasal verbs with their meanings.
a.      break down                                     - xi. to stop functioning (vehicle, machine)
b.     check out                                           - ix. to leave a hotel
c.      fed up                                                - vii. tired of something or someone
d.     fill out                                               - xii. to complete a form
e.      get away                                            - x. to escape
f.       give away                                          - viii. to give something to someone for free
g.     give up                                              - iii. to quit a habit
h.     look forward to                               - vi. to wait anxiously for something or an event
i.       make up                                            - ii. to invent a story or lie
j.       pass away                                        - v. to die
k.     put out                                               - i. to extinguish (fire)
l.       take off                                              - iv. to remove clothes or shoes from the body, to                                                                     depart as in airplane
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 language.

 b. What did the Greek scholars do in their new locations after leaving the Greek city?
Greek scholars taught Greek and shared their precious books in their new locations after leaving the Greek city.

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?
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?
Columbus, Vasco de Gama, Cabot, Magellan, and Drake
Hide Answer

i. Why do some people think of the Renaissance as the beginning of modern history?
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.
ii. France was the birthplace of the Renaissance.
iii. Turkish scholars spread their knowledge throughout Europe.
iv. German philosophers were responsible for starting the Renaissance.

c. What did the Renaissance do?
i. It helped leaders maintain control over the middle class.
ii. It discouraged people to go against traditional beliefs.
iii. It caused people to make changes in their lives.
iv. It influenced people to fight against each other.

d. What were the major causes of the Renaissance?
 i. changes in government
ii. explorations of new lands
iii. new artists and writers who created great works
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.
¢ 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.
¢ 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.
¢ Machiavelli (ma·kee·uh.veh·lee) argues it is ethical for a prince or leader to involve in the dishonest activities, disobey and break 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.

  
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.

Critical Thinking:
a.      Write an essay on “Literature is the reflection of society.”
The word Literature has its root from the Latin word literature/ littratura was used to refer to all written accounts. In Oxford dictionary literature is defined as a “pieces of writing that are valued as works of art, especially novels, plays and poems.
Many authors have been represented social, political, ecological, historical, scientific phenomenon in their works. All literary genres including drama, novel, poetry, short stories, etc. get their shape from the social background. Thus, society creates literature because all traditions, customs, religious stories reflect through the literary works, but the excellence and natural surroundings of the reflection hinge on a writer's approach of mind, whether he is enlightened in his outlook or conservative.
That’s why literature is the mirror of society because it stuffed with all human emotions and activities including good and bad and social and political happenings.
All our glorious past has secured in the literary pages so that today’s generation gain knowledge about the myth of The Ramayana, The Mahabharata, The Old Testament and The Bible, etc. it is only possible by the literary sources that present generation know who were our forefathers? And how human came into existence.

b. It is said that today’s reader will tomorrow’s leader. Do you agree with the statement? Explain.
¢ Margaret Fuller is the author of the famous quote: “Today a reader, tomorrow a leader.
¢  Undoubtedly, reading is essential for all-round development of the personality. Bacon, the great British writer and philosopher has rightly said, “Reading makes a full man; writing an exact man, and conference a ready man.”
¢ Reading is an essential basic skills building activity. One’s language fluency is determined by the quality of reading. Besides, vocabulary enrichment, ideas collection, familiarization with different types of writing formats, speaking fluency, etc, all depend upon reading. In all cultures and civilizations, much stress is laid on reading. Schools, colleges, and other academic institute use reading as a major tool in imparting education to students. However, in the modern times, this activity is being ignored.
¢ Reading provides insights from fields outside our own experience and expertise that can be applied in new ways. A great example is the impact the field of Mindfulness is having on individuals and on leadership in organisations now that the benefits and practices are more widely understood.
¢ In order to promote wholesome reading habits among the children and youth, the Government must set up libraries in all the cities, towns, and villages. If we can provide them smart-phones, computers, internet, and other digital facilities so easily, why not provide them books to develop their mind positively? One thing is absolutely clear, if we want our children to become great leaders in future, we must make them great readers in the present.
¢ Thus, it enhances overall development of the readers or the citizens who have continuous reading practices.

c. Write a short biography of a national literary, artistic or historical figures you appreciate most.
                                                       Bhanu Bhakta Acharya: Biography
¢He was a very learned man in Sanskrit and also had no shortage of wealth and property. On Ashad 29 1871 B.S, a child was born from his elder son whose was named Bhanubhakta. Bhanubhakta had received his childhood education from his grandfather. After that he completed his further education from Kashi. Once Bhanubhakta was around his village when he found a grass seller cutting grass. in the conversation with the grassier, grassier said that he was cutting grass for  making cisterns and maintaining his name. He was impressed by grassier and he thought "such an unfortunate grass is such an great idea, that I am sorry to stay in harmony with some of the best scholars".
¢ The composition of bhanubhakta' acharya's gives the important role to establishment of nepali language. This is the main reason to  celebrate the Bhanu jayanti every years. Bhanu jayanti is celebrated as important as dashain in some places of india like darjaling and sikim. Even though he was suffering from high feaver he gives his life for nepali litrature and died on 1925. But todays what we do for the conservation of the nepali language, this is the main question of each Bhanu jayanti. 
¢   Thus, about 23 years after the Bhanubhakta died, he started to be known among Nepali people

Grammar: Relative Clause

¢ 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.

Wh-Constructions

¢ Who- for person (subject)-जो        
¢ Which- for things or animals (जुन )
¢ Where- for place (जहाँ)                                 
¢ Whom- for people   (जसलाई )
¢ Whose- for people   (  '/ of) –जस्को  
¢ Why- for reason  (किनकी )
¢ When- for time period  (जब )

Note: Use Relative Clause as per to the repeated word of the second sentence and structure as per the first repeated word in the first sentence.

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
b.     My aunt Nita, who is a journalist, is coming to visit next week.-non-defining
c.      People who like outdoor activities will love our holidays.- defining
d.     The early 1960s, when the Beatles first started, was a very exciting time in pop culture.- non-defining
e.      My essay on Shakespeare, which I found quite difficult, got a really good mark in the end. - non-defining
f.       The Mayans, who lived in Central America, built many stunning temples.- non-defining
g.     That's the girl whose brother is in your class. – defining
h.     The snake that was in the garden last week belongs to our next-door neighbor. - 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.
 
 

 Questions for Practice

1.Finally Brown decided to retire. Willis had been sharing an office with him.
2.Mrs Aldrich never recovered consciousness.  she was married with two children.
3.The old house was finally sold. The family had lived in it for 300 years.
4.Mary noticed that he was wearing her ring. she had lost it five years before.
5.Nobody liked the eldest son. Old Lord Banbury had left all his money to him.
6.He proudly showed me round his house. He had paid $ 1,00,000 for it.
7.He became quite fond of Brixton Prison. He had spend so much of his life there.
8.Harold finally asked her to marry him. She had always been in love with him.
9.Godfrey decided to become an actor himself. His parents had been in the theatre.
10.In 1948, he joined the Conservative Party. He was still a student then.
11. Phil was an excellent driver. Phil’s forehead was covered in sweat.
12.  Julia hadn’t wanted to come in the first place. The Admiral had entrusted the papers to Julia.
13. Alex had just taken the gun out of his pocket.  Alex never went anywhere without his gun.
14. The dog was sitting facing the back window. The dog loved travelling in fast car.
15. Mrs. Wilkinson usually went to bed after 11. Radha met her yesterday evening.
16. He proudly showed me round his mansion. He had paid 80 lakhs for it.
17. The old house was finally sold. The family had lived in it for 100 years.
18. The place is called Water Park. He has been living there.
19. Alex had closed his eyes. It had been Alex’s idea to come.     
 
Add an appropriate relative clause to these sentences.
1. I couldn’t wait to get back to Venice,…….
2. At last they managed to repair the telephone…… 
3. The teacher,…………. , turned round suddenly.
4. I eventually found the letter, ………., in my jacket pocket.
5. When I came back, I found that my car, …………, had disappeared.
6. We were all very grateful to Richard, ……….