1.   Rhetoric gained prominence at the beginning of the Renaissance because the people finally had their voice again.  After the Roman Empire fell apart and feudalism crumbled, discussion and communal thinking were allowed to bring forth problems that the previously voiceless peasants were dealing with.  In Rome and the Feudal system, all that mattered was what the emperor or the people with more power than you said.

In the Renaissance, we see rhetoric closely mirroring Ancient Greece in the use of public forums and in the freedom of speech and expression. By allowing governors to not quite rule over the people as a surf but a figurehead and spokesperson for the lesser people, the kings were able to listen to a few condensed voices.  By limiting the number of voices heard, the king probably did not feel the need to silence all outside voices indefinitely.

2.   As 21st century scholars, we observes a greater appreciation for the Greek Sophists during the Renaissance because of their focus on rhetoric being for anyone and everyone regardless of status or “natural talent”.  Prior to the Renaissance, peoples’ voices were not being heard and therefore, when they were allowed to finally speak out, people wanted to find the fastest way to spread the knowledge and re-found ability; teaching others.