来源：https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/vb9LGS2edf6MlkB5R01G-A

Renaissance Period is one of the most important periods in English literature. So far as the ‘Renaissance Period’ is concerned it began in 1453, but its effect on English life and literature was felt after 1500. For this reason, it is generally accepted that the renaissance period was at the beginning of the 16th century and continued till the Restoration period. It is a clear line between the middle and the modern English literature period.

文艺复兴是英国文学中最重要的时期之一。就“文艺复兴”而言，它始于1453年，但它对英国生活和文学的影响是在1500年以后才感受到的。由于这个原因，人们普遍认为，文艺复兴是在16世纪初，并持续到资产阶级复辟时期。这是英国中期文学与现代文学之间的一条清晰的界线。

The word Renaissance is derived from the Italian ‘Renescetia’ means rebirth. The French historian “Jules Michelet” used Renaissance for the first time. Italy was the cradle of the Renaissance. It began in Italy in the 14th Century and ended in the mid-seventeenth century. This period of 160 years is subdivided into two ages according to the ages:

文艺复兴这个词来源于意大利语“复兴”，意思是重生。法国历史学家“朱尔斯·米歇莱特”第一次使用了文艺复兴。意大利是文艺复兴的摇篮。它开始于14世纪的意大利，结束于17世纪中叶。这160年的时期按年龄分为两个时期:

01

The Elizabethan Age (1558-1603)

伊丽莎白时代(1558-1603)

This age is named after Queen ‘Elizabeth I’ who reigned over England from 1558 to 1603. This is the most glorious age of English literature. With the accession of Queen Elizabeth I, dynastic problems, and political chaos come to an end. Geographical and astronomical discoveries brought unlimited fortune during this period. Renaissance that had started earlier was now very strongly felt in England.
 
这个时代是以1558年至1603年统治英格兰的女王伊丽莎白一世命名的。这是英国文学最辉煌的时代。随着伊丽莎白一世的统治，王朝问题和政治混乱结束了。在这一时期，地理和天文的发现带来了无限的财富。早期开始的文艺复兴现在在英国有很强烈的感觉。

Major writers and Their Major works

主要作家及其主要作品

Literary Features of the period

该时期的文学特征

The Elizabethan Age is regarded as the Golden Age in the history of English Literature. The Renaissance brought Ancient Greek and Roman wisdom to England. The social life of England was marked by a strong national spirit, Humanism, religious broadmindedness, scientific progress, social content, and intellectual progress. All these aspects of social life are reflected in the writing of this period.

伊丽莎白时代被认为是英国文学史上的黄金时代。文艺复兴把古希腊和古罗马的智慧带到了英国。英国的社会生活以强烈的民族精神、人文主义、宗教开明、科学进步、社会内容和知识进步为标志。这些社会生活的方方面面都反映在这一时期的作品中。

02

Puritan Age (1620 to 1660)

清教徒时代(1620 to 1660)

The Puritan Age (1620–1660), commonly referred to as the Age of Milton, was a pivotal time in English history and literature. Religious fervour, political instability, and a passionate desire to transform society in accordance with Puritan principles were all prevalent at this time. The influential authors of this era capture the intellectual and societal changes of the time. With his epic masterpiece “Paradise Lost,” John Milton, a towering figure of this era, revolutionised English poetry. Other eminent authors who made substantial contributions include Andrew Marvell and John Bunyan, authors of “The Pilgrim’s Progress” and “Metaphysical Poetry,” respectively.
清教徒时代(1620-1660)，通常被称为弥尔顿时代，是英国历史和文学的关键时期。宗教狂热，政治不稳定，以及按照清教徒原则改造社会的强烈愿望，在这个时期都是普遍存在的。这个时代有影响力的作家捕捉到了当时知识分子和社会的变化。约翰·弥尔顿，这个时代的杰出人物，以其史诗巨著《失乐园》彻底改变了英国诗歌。其他作出重大贡献的杰出作家包括安德鲁·马维尔和约翰·班扬，他们分别著有《形而上学诗歌》和《天路历程》。

No. 01

John Millton

约翰 · 弥尔顿

One of the most well-known authors of the Puritan Age, John Milton, had a profound impact on English literature. One of the best epic poems ever written in the English language is considered to be “Paradise Lost,” his most famous work. Deeply philosophical and theological issues are explored in Milton’s works, including the nature of good and evil, the fall of humanity, and the difficulties of free will.Readers are captivated by his command of the English language, his complicated rhyme, and vivid imagery, and his writing is influenced by his ardent political and religious convictions. John Milton’s contributions to literature are still studied and respected, solidifying his place as a Puritan Age literary legend.
约翰·弥尔顿是清教徒时代最著名的作家之一，他对英国文学产生了深远的影响。有史以来用英语写的最好的史诗之一是他最著名的作品《失乐园》。弥尔顿的作品深刻地探讨了哲学和神学问题，包括善与恶的本质、人性的堕落和自由意志的困境。读者被他精通英语，他复杂的韵律和生动的意象所吸引，他的写作受到强烈的政治和宗教信仰的影响。约翰·弥尔顿对文学的贡献仍然受到研究和尊重，巩固了他作为清教时代文学传奇的地位。

No. 02

John Bunyan

约翰 · 班扬

In the Puritan Age, John Bunyan was a well-known author best known for his allegorical novel “The Pilgrim’s Progress.” The religious journey of the lead character, Christian, as he encounters different temptations and hardships on his search for salvation is depicted in this influential work that has caught readers’ attention for ages. “The Pilgrim’s Progress” has become an enduring masterpiece of English literature thanks to Bunyan’s vivid storytelling, complex symbolism, and profound comprehension of Christian theology. The work gives profound understanding into the state of humanity and the problems of faith in addition to reflecting the fervour of the Puritan Age in terms of religion. Readers looking for spiritual enlightenment and direction continue to be inspired by and resonate with Bunyan’s writing.

在清教徒时代，约翰·班扬以寓言小说《天路历程》而闻名。主人公克里斯蒂安在寻求救赎的过程中遭遇了不同的诱惑和困难，在这部影响深远的作品中生动形象地描绘了他的宗教之旅，这部作品吸引了读者多年的关注。由于班扬生动的故事叙述、复杂的象征主义以及对基督教神学的深刻理解，《天路历程》成为英国文学史上一部经久不衰的杰作。除了反映清教时代在宗教方面的热情外，这部作品还对人类的现状和信仰问题提供了深刻的理解。寻找精神启示和方向的读者继续受到班扬作品的启发和共鸣。

Conclusion 

Thus, Renaissance Period ended with the beginning of the Restoration period. It has had a great effect on the development of English Literature. It was an important movement that illuminated the whole of English literature. ‘Paradise Lost’ is the last great triumph of the Renaissance.

文艺复兴随着复辟时期的开始而结束。它对英国文学的发展产生了巨大的影响。这是一个重要的文学运动，照亮了整个英国文学。“失乐园”是文艺复兴时期最后的伟大胜利。