Petrarch's Use Of Introspection In Renaissance Literature

Words are the Window to the Soul: The Renaissance Shift of Introspection Introspection is one of the defining traits between Middle Age and Renaissance Literature because it marks a shift in who or what the author is writing for. In the Middle Ages, authors were focused on writing for a wide audience, such as Dante when he wrote his Inferno for the sinners. They were also interested in creating something that would appeal to many, as in the case of Geoffrey Chaucer and Canterbury Tales. The shift into Renaissance Literature was that the writing because more personal, and therefore more introspective. When the author is able to express his own thoughts on a page without having to structure them a certain way, it makes the writing clearer and the characterization becomes stronger. The works of Petrarch and Luther show two very different uses of introspection in literature.

His writing expresses his own thoughts and opinions and does not apologize for it. He does not hold back, does not allow other voices to encroach upon his, and he is definitely not aiming for beauty in his words. This is evident through “We assert the contrary, and say that pope’s pardons are not able to remove the least venial of sins as far as their guilt is concerned” (95 Theses, 76). While Luther says “we”, the writing suggests that this argument is coming directly from him. It is obvious that Luther does not feel the need to refine his thoughts into something less harsh and direct. Instead, he wants his words to hold impact, and for his readers to understand his argument and make a change: “If, therefore, indulgences were preached in accordance with the spirit and mind of the pope, all these difficulties would be easily overcome, and indeed, cease to exist” (95 Theses, 91). Luther utilized introspection in his writing to make a point, and to make sure that his point was