Burke Renaissance Analysis SAQ

“Jacob Burckhardt defined the period [the Renaissance] in terms of two concepts, ‘individualism’ and ‘modernity’. . . . This nineteenth-century myth of the Renaissance is still taken seriously by many people. . . . However, professional historians have become dissatisfied with this version of the Renaissance. . . . In the first place, there are arguments to the effect that so-called ‘Renaissance men’ were really rather medieval. They were more traditional in their behaviour, assumptions and ideals than we tend to think—and also more tradition than they saw themselves. . . . In the second place, the medievalists have accumulated arguments to the effect that the Renaissance was not such a singular event as Burckhardt and his contemporaries once thought and that the term should really be used in the plural. There were various ‘renascences’ in the Middle Ages, notably in the twelfth century and in the age of Charlemagne. In both cases there was a combination of literary and artistic achievements with a revival of interest in classical learning, and in both cases contemporaries described their age as one of restoration, rebirth or ‘renovation’."

Peter Burke, “The Myth of Renaissance” (1987)

In your response, be sure to address all parts of the question. Use complete sentences; an outline or bulleted list alone is not acceptable.

Explain ONE piece of evidence from the period of the Renaissance which would support the argument above.

Explain ONE piece of evidence from the period of the Renaissance which would contradict the argument above.

Explain an additional piece of evidence from the period of the Renaissance which would support OR contradict the argument above.