5.Into what three groups were people divided under feudalism? 6.What was the difference between a serf and a free man? 7.What is the importance of the using of vernacular languages in Medieval literature? DIVISION FOUR 8.In what ways did Gothic art differ from Romanesque art? 9.What was the merit which Charlemagne and Alfred the Great RENAISSANCE AND REFORMATION share? I.General Introduction 、 Renaissance as a period in western civilization may be explained in different ways.But generally speaking,it refers to the period between the 14th and mid 17th century. The word "Renaissance"means revival,specifically in this period of history,revival of interest in ancient Greek and Roman culture.Renaissance,therefore,in essence,was a historical period in which the European humanist thinkers and scholars made attempts to get rid of conservatism in feudalist Europe and introduce new ideas that expressed the interests of the rising bourgeoisie,to lift the restrictions in all areas placed by the Roman church authorities. During the period of Renaissance,old sciences revived and new sciences emerged,national languages and national cultures free from the absolute control of the Papal authority in Rome took shape and art and literature flourished as never before.The absolute authority of the Roman Catholic Church was shaken and people in Europe came to a new awareness which was to help shape what Europe is today. Renaissance started in Florence and Venice with the flowering of paintings,sculpture and architecture.From Italy the movement went to embrace the rest of Europe.In different countries,however,the 128 129 理糯是款：好