Adina Waitman Renaissance Personages

Christopher Columbus and William Shakespeare are the two most important Renaissance figures to affect the modern world. These two figures molded and contributed to the formation of modern society through discovery and invention, whether by land or words. Both, who are paradigmatic examples of a Renaissance man, made astonishing contributions that are remembered and acknowledged until today.

Christopher Columbus, a name known worldwide, made the remarkable discovery of the new world in 1492. There is no doubt that Columbus is responsible for paving the way toward modern-day America. America is, without a doubt, one of the world's leading countries, and therefore it is only plausible that the founder be acknowledged as one who is crucial to history. It is impossible to know what America would be, had it not been for Columbus “sailing the ocean blue” in 1492.

Additionally, William Shakespeare is an extremely crucial figure who lived during the Renaissance period. Along with being a well known poet and playwright, he is also responsible for many “new” words. Similar to the discovery of the new world, it is impossible the imagine what society would be like bereft these words. If not for Shakespeare, would we say we “rest in sleep chambers” instead of bedrooms, and “are pumped”, instead of excited? Shakespeare's over two thousand neologisms made English a more important language and therefore led to its being the universal language it is today. Shakespeare was not only a genius playwright, but also a gifted poet. His plays show us the many ways people behave, and his poems are beautifully written.

These two important figures changed society both during their lives and after. Columbus changed society during his life by introducing the idea to the masses that there was a greater world out there (apart from the Western Hemisphere), one which was untouched and could possibly bring great affluence. Columbus changed society for eternity by discovering a whole new continent, one which would only continue to grow and will hopefully continue to grow.

Shakespeare changed society during his life by giving people the pleasure of seeing his plays, and introducing them to new ideas, such as putting life on a stage. Additionally, he changed society for eternity by adding new words and making the English language a more respected one.

For these reasons, Columbus and Shakespeare are the two most important figures of the Renaissance. Not only did they introduce new ideas during their lives, but they also changed the world forever.