Renaissance Humanism in Hamlet and The Birth of Venus

Grade Levels

10th Grade, 11th Grade, 12th Grade, 9th Grade

Course, Subject

History

Related Academic Standards

Demonstrate knowledge of foundational works of literature that reflect a variety of genres in the respective major periods of literature, including how two or more texts from the same period treat similar themes or topics.

9.2.3.J 9.2.3.J

Identify, explain and analyze historical and cultural differences as they relate to works in the arts (e.g., PLAYS BY Shakespeare, works by Michelangelo, ethnic dance and music).

9.2.5.A 9.2.5.A

Explain the historical, cultural and social context of an individual work in the arts.

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Big Ideas

Comprehension requires and enhances critical thinking and is constructed through the intentional interaction between reader and text

People have expressed experiences and ideas through the arts throughout time and across cultures.
Concepts

Essential content, literary elements and devices inform meaning

Textual structure, features and organization inform meaning

Cultures have unique artistic traditions.

Dances from different cultures have different characteristics.

There are dances that are unique to certain cultures.
Competencies

Analyze the impact of societal and cultural influences in texts

Assert new and unique insights based on extended understanding derived from critical examinations of text(s)

Evaluate the characteristics of various genre (e.g. fiction and nonfiction forms of narrative, poetry, drama and essay) to determine how the form relates to purpose.

Identify and evaluate essential content between and among various text types

Analyze the artistic traditions evidenced in the artwork of a variety of cultures, including works by Pennsylvania artists.

Describe the characteristics of dance from different cultures.

Identify and describe dances that are unique to certain cultures.

Description

After reading Shakespeare’s Hamlet, students use visual and literary tools to identify, analyze, and explain how elements in Botticelli’s painting The Birth of Venus and examples from the play illustrate the philosophy of Renaissance Humanism. Students analyze Botticelli’s painting by sketching it and then taking notes in relation to specific elements in the painting. Next, students explore how literary elements in Hamlet reflect Renaissance Humanism. Finally, students explain in writing how the elements in The Birth of Venus and Hamlet establish them as examples of Renaissance Humanism. While this lesson focuses on Hamlet in its examples, any Shakespearean play could be substituted for the analysis.

Web-based Resource

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Renaissance Humanism in Hamlet and The Birth of Venus

Content Provider

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Renaissance Humanism in Hamlet and The Birth of Venus