Chapter 2
Education

Education in the Renaissance was not a right, it was a privilege. During the Middle Ages and into the Renaissance, most schools were located in the church monasteries. There boys who could sing were taught to memorize hundreds of pieces to be sung in the Church services by the time they were 9 years old. They were also taught the basics of reading, writing, arithmetic.

Since there were few textbooks, the students were provided with slate boards. Most subjects were taught by rote and then memorized. After a few years boys could become apprentices to craftsmep, businessmen in the town, or study further to become teachers or monks.

Daughters of the aristocracy were taught at home, often by the most highly regarded scholars. Merchants' daughters were sometimes sent to convents for their education. Girls from poor families were only taught to spin, sew, cook and manage a household.

For those who were fortunate to attend school, the schedule was demanding. Classes went all day from early morning to late evening. Erasmus (a great scholar born in Holland) wrote:

" Unless I am there before roll is called I will get a hiding (beating). Not the slightest danger on that score. I was there at just half-past five."

Physical punishment of poor work was expected and handed out frequently.

FOR DISCUSSION:

1. In what ways did Vittorino's school differ from the monastery schools?
2. How did the education of boys differ from the education of girls during the Renaissance?
3. How would society have changed if girls were given the same education as boys?
4. In what way is Castiglione's courtier the "Renaissance Man"?
5. Create your own Renaissance school day using the descriptions you read in this chapter.
6. Which of the schools described in this chapter would vou prefer to attend? Explain.

Click here to read more excerpts from the Handbook of the Renaissance.

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