The Renaissance period (14th-17th centuries) saw a revival of learning about ancient Greek and Roman culture. This period emphasized reason and the individual, unlike the medieval period where faith and salvation were the main concern of the people. During the Renaissance period, individuals focused their attention on secular society and its pleasures, such as the arts, literature, and science. This new way of thinking was called Humanism, a system of education that emphasized classical literature as well as Latin and Greek. Comparing Florence and England, humanist ideas developed differently. The Renaissances originated in Florence, Italy, in the late 13th century, and under the leadership of a powerful banking family, the Medici, particularly Lorenzo the Magnificent (1469-1492), the Renaissance reached its peak in Florence. Humanist ideas began to spread in France, Germany and England. The Renaissance reached England in the 16th century. There are historical documents, personal writings, and novels that shed light on how this important period developed differently in these two different areas. The two works of fiction we read, The Birth of Venus by Sarah Dunant and Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel, helped me better understand the characters, issues and events of the past because they help me integrate the historical documents and personal writings. , they shed light on the time period covered and present the complexity of the issues in a way we can understand. The Birth of Venus brings to life the Renaissance period in Florence under the leadership of the Medici family, from the perspective of Alessandra Cecchi (Sister Lucrezia), a young woman who wants to become an artist but ends up a nun. And, Wol...... middle of paper ......ect had to swear that they recognized Anne Boleyn as their queen and her son as successor to the English throne. In Wolf Hall we see how the Boleyn family meant what it meant to Anne Boleyn for her to marry Henry. According to Anne's father, "he deserves a special title and has made it known that it would not be unpleasant for him to be called Monseigneur." Even before Anne and Henry married, he had bestowed upon her and her family many expensive gifts and titles. This marriage was advantageous for both parties, as Henry had the opportunity to have his male heir, while Anne and her family enjoyed the benefits of being a family of the King of England. Women in general were used to gain advantages. Parents arranged their daughter's marriage to families from whom they could gain benefits, such as status in society, political alliances, or wealth..