1/ Why is it said that Humanism was the progressive ideology of the Renaissance in the English Literature? Who was the most outstanding author of this period?

The progressive ideology of the Renaissance was Humanism. Human life, the happiness of people and the belief in man’s abilities became the main subjects in fine arts and literature. The works of humanists proclaimed equality of people regardless of their social origin, race and religion. Humanism did away with the dark scholastic teaching of the Middle Ages. The development of a new social order presented great possibilities for man’s creative power. That is why the humanist outlook was marked with bright optimism with belief in man’s great abilities and his high mission.

The most outstanding author of this period is the first English humanist – Thomas More (1478 – 1535) in his book Utopia.