Renaissance literary criticism refers to the evaluation and analysis of literature during the Renaissance period, which spanned from the 14th to the 17th century. This form of criticism emerged as a response to the cultural and intellectual changes that occurred during this time, characterized by a renewed interest in classical literature and humanism. Renaissance literary critics focused on examining the themes, structure, and language of literary works, drawing inspiration from ancient Greek and Roman texts. They sought to understand the deeper meaning and moral implications of literature, often employing rhetorical devices and elaborate language in their own writings. Renaissance literary criticism played a significant role in shaping the development of literature and literary theory, leaving a lasting impact on subsequent generations of scholars and critics.