The Renaissance was an era of philosophical and artistic innovation, a time when people had a renewed interest in intellectual pursuits. Local populations integrated old, pagan values with Christian beliefs, forming a beautiful patchwork tradition. Scholars would debate with one another about the meaning of life, and soon this love of learning diffused into the general audience as well. But most importantly, the Renaissance was a period when literature flourished.

Most literary works produced during this time catered to humanistic ideals. They emphasized a holistic view of society in general and supported the thought that human beings were inherently good. But more than that, the literature reflected an interest in Greco-Roman philosophies and classical works, such as the likes of Homer, Socrates, and Plato. Writers began exploring other thoughts, not particularly adhering to the strict belief that people will go to either Heaven or Hell. They also began questioning current political powers, as such with the play Hamlet by William Shakespeare. 

One interesting thing to note was the Renaissance’s impact on the Catholic Church. The Catholic Church lost much of its authority due to society's changing views on religion. Because of the growing humanistic attitudes towards humanity, as well as a looser adherence to religious principles, many individuals sided with the Protestants. With the differing views growing between the two groups, schisms between Protestants and Catholics grew even further. Much of the literature in the Renaissance was devoted to dissecting the two theological sides, from the famous Martin Luther to Jehan Cauvin. 

One notable writer was Machiavelli, who famously penned what is now known as II Principe. This describes various political situations and focused on the hereditary power of the government. If one was to be a good ruler or governor, they had to be practical about social matters, whether that be concerning morality or the state. He famously coined the philosophy that it is better to be feared than love, as well as the saying, “The ends justify the means.” 

William Shakespeare was yet another famous Renaissance writer. He is often regarded as one of the world’s greatest playwrights, penning plays such as Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, and Macbeth. Readers and writers alike have taken note of how expressive he was in matters like love, hatred, and obsession. In fact, many of Shakespeare’s contemporary critics praised him for how he incorporated aspects of human nature into his plays, as well as other culturally significant settings and time periods. 

Even now, the Renaissance is greatly respected for its strides in intellectual thought. The Harlem Renaissance was nicknamed after its predecessor because of the high quality of works produced in Harlem, New York, much of which pertained to the struggles of African Americans. Disney had its own Renaissance age with various films like The Hunchback of Notre Dame and Aladdin, showcasing the better storytelling aspects of the time. While there may not be yet another Renaissance for some time, it was a period that allowed writers to expand their way of thinking.