The Renaissance was a period of tremendous achievements in the fields of art, politics, literature, and
philosophy. It was a time of change that drew focus on independence and individual contributions of
artists, thinkers, viriters, and other figures to the European society. However, could the same be said for
women during the Renaissance? Europe in the 1400s and 1500s expected women to have traditional
gender roles: dutiful daughter, wife, and mother.
Consider the question:
Did women in Europe have a Renaissance? Did the Renaissance improve the lives of women or did it
entrench women further into their traditional gender roles?
Write a five-paragraph opinion essay to argue in favor of or against the Renaissance improving women's
lives in Europe. Parts A, B, C, and D will help you draft your essay. Remember to keep your tone objective
and formal. Also, make sure that you include accurate facts and details from the lessons and outside
research in your answer.
Here are some sources to help you write your essay:
Women from the Renaissance to the Enlightenment e
Women in Renaissance Florence e
Gender Roles of Women in the Renaissance
Women in the Renaissance
You may also do your own online research to support your argument.