Download Name: ___ Date: Class: ______ Guiding Reading Questions Life in

Name: _________________________________ Date: _______________ Class: ________
Guiding Reading Questions
Life in Italy during the Renaissance
1. Paraphrase the introduction of this article using three significant points and
one in-text citation as evidence.
The term Renaissance means rebirth. It was a time of intellectual, cultural,
and artistic growth. The era began in Italy in the 14th century and spread
throughout most of Europe during the 15th century. According to the
article Life in Italy during the Renaissance, “it was in the Eternal City where
various structures from Ancient Rome were rebuilt.” (1).
2. Define three ways that culture of Italy and Europe were affected during the
Renaissance. Use two in-text citations as evidence.
The culture of Italy was affected during the Renaissance as life in the cities
“emerged from the courtyards and into the streets and public squares.” (2)
Although the movement was most evident in the elite of society, “the
poorest families attempted to emulate the rich.” (2) Changes in the roles of
marriage, home life, and women “began to take a greater role.” (3)
Women found freedom and more power during this time.
3. Describe the three achievements listed in the article. Use one in-text
citation evidence.
As described in the Life in Italy during the Renaissance article, three major
areas of achievements flourished. In literature, “Italian writers and poets
had made several contributions to the world.” (5) There were also
achievements in the fine arts as the greatest masters “used the works of
ancient Greece and Rome as their base.” (5) These revivals of ancient times
of Europe can still be seen in much architecture of the time and in present
day.
Name: _________________________________ Date: _______________ Class: ________
4. Summarize the author’s purpose of the article. Include one quotation from
the article as evidence and cite.
The Life in Italy during the Renaissance article was written to provide a brief
account of the beginning of the time. It briefly provides the reader with an
overview to the era touching on cultural changes and achievements. The
author lists names of artists including Leonardo, Michelangelo, Raphael,
Donatello, and Botticelli stating that they remain “household names
centuries after their death.” (5) The article opens a window for deeper
research of the many contributions within the Renaissance period.
5. Write the correct MLA citation format to list on your Works Cited page of
your essay.
“Life in Italy during the Renaissance.” lifeinitaly.com. LifeinItaly. 20 April
2010. Web. 23 July 2013.
Name: _________________________________ Date: _______________ Class: ________
Guiding Reading Questions- Short Answers
Life in Italy during the Renaissance, 20 April 2010
1. When did the Renaissance begin? 14th century
2. When did the Renaissance peak? Mid 15th century
3. Which country is given credit for the beginnings of the Renaissance? Italy
4. Which three cities are noted for the beginnings of the Renaissance?
Tuscany, Venice, Rome
5. What does Renaissance mean? Rebirth
6. Why was this term marked for this time period? Rebirth and revival of
ancient Greek and Roman works
7. Make notes of text used as evidence from the article to support your
previous answers.
a. When: 14th and 15th century (p1)
b. Where: Italy – Tuscany, Venice, Rome (p1)
c. What: Time of rebirth, revival of ancient Greek and Roman art,
architecture, and ideas (p1-2)
d. Why: The black plague and dark ages suppressed progression in most
of Europe, but wealthy families in Italy who were not tied to the rules
of the church were able to support arts.
8. Which two main influences attributed to advancement in warfare during
the Renaissance?
a. The Great Wars in Italy required new war tactics and armory to
win
b. Advancement in the sciences
Name: _________________________________ Date: _______________ Class: ________
9. Which social class benefited most from the Renaissance movement? Why?
The elite class was able to support the arts and patron new ideas.
10.Describe how the social class changes became apparent as the movement
spread in Italy and Europe.
The cities began to emerge from the courtyards and new designs for
dwellings were made of bright marble. The poor began to imitate the rich
weddings, requiring dowries.
11. How did the Renaissance affect the role of women?
a. Women were expected to have an opinion and use self-will
b. Given freedom –
c. “the power behind the throne.”
12. Use a quotation from the article to support your answer in #10.
As the article Life in Italy during the Renaissance points out, “ …… “ (3).
“women in the Renaissance began to take a greater role in social life….had
more freedom … form an opinion… and were so-called ‘the power behind
the throne.’” (3).
13. How did the cultural cuisine evolve during the Renaissance?
Lavish banquets were held, utensils were used, new world ingredients were
incorporated into meals.
14. Draw a conclusion to explain the significance of Renaissance festivals.
Renaissance festivals were a celebration that included activities for all
social classes. It demonstrated the likeness among classes rather than
exploiting the differences.
Name: _________________________________ Date: _______________ Class: ________
15. Cite the evidence you used to support this conclusion.
”processions could include every social strata from Pope to beggar.” (4)
16. Create a complex-compound sentence to combine your answers in #13,
#14 and #15.
The culture during the Renaissance evolved in many areas including cuisine,
festivals, and social life and as stated in the article Life in Italy during the
Renaissance, “processions could include every social strata from Pope to
beggar.” (3-4)
17. According to the article, three major achievements in the Renaissance
include literature, fine art, and architecture. Provide supporting details for
each achievement discussed.
a. Literature
i. Writers and poets made several contributions to the era
ii. Achievements in the culture of literature
b. Fine Art
i. Used ancient Greece and Rome as their base
ii. Influences by the Catholic Church can be seen in the arts
c. Architecture
i. Many achievements remain untouchable, but others surpass
them.
ii. The works from the Renaissance can still be seen in the
modern world.
Name: _________________________________ Date: _______________ Class: ________
Guided Reading Vocabulary Exploration – Student Copy
Life in Italy during the Renaissance, 20 April 2010
WORD
Elite
Culture
Renaissance
Pomp
Medieval
Impact
Advancements
DEFINITION
SYNONYMS
Notes
Name: _________________________________ Date: _______________ Class: ________