Francis Petrarch and Love Poetry of the Renaissance

In this course, we will explore the Renaissance via the life and literary genius of Francesco Petrarca, famously known as Petrarch. Considered the father of the Italian Renaissance, Petrarch’s scholarship and advocacy for the importance of classical Rome were considered fundamental throughout the Renaissance. Today, he is better remembered as a love poet. His famous Canzoniere or “songbook” charts his love for a woman, Laura, through 366 Italian poems. In these he incorporated the Latinate style into his vernacular poetry, bringing an elegance to the Italian language never before seen. Because of this, he was held up as the standard for all poetic writings in the vernacular, not just in Italy but across Europe. Petrarch’s name became synonymous with the Italian sonnet, and we will explore both his poetic mastery and trace his impact on his literary successors. Join us to uncover the essence of Petrarchan love poetry and its pivotal role in shaping literary history.