English Renaissance Writers: The Pastoral Tradition

English Renaissance Writers: The Pastoral

TraditionChristopher Marlowe and Sir

Walter Raleigh

Pastoral Tradition• TAKE NOTES ON THE FOLLOWING:• Works in the pastoral tradition, celebrate the pleasures of

country life. This tradition dates back to ancient Greece. It helped city dwellers imagine a carefree country life.

• • Pastoral poems often include the following: 1. The speaker is a shepherd, or herder of sheep who:

describes the simple joys of country living; addresses or describes a shepherdess whom he loves; and uses much more sophisticated language than would be expected from a rural worker.

2. The picture of the country is idealized ignoring hardships.3. The audience is an educated city dweller (the court) who

seeks to escape to the country for peace.

A Picture of a Pastoral Scene

Later in history, Marie Antoinette would adopt the Pastoral ideals and

went to the country for relaxation from the court.

Sir Christopher MarloweYou will now read from the green lit book

Read page 265 (his biography) and then delve into “The Passionate Shepherd to His Love” on page 266. Then, answer the questions on the Pastoral Worksheet.

Sir Walter RaleighYou will now read from the green lit book

Read page 265 (his biography) and then delve into “The Nymph’s Reply to the Shepherd” on page 268. Then, answer the questions on the Pastoral Worksheet.