Literature and Virtue in Sidneys Apology for Poetry Essay

Literature and Virtue in Sidneys Apology for Poetry In An Apology for Poetry Sir Philip Sidney attempts to reassert the fundamental importance of literature to society in general as well as to other creative and intellectual endeavors. Though Sidneys work does provide a synthesis (and in some cases an aberration) of much Greek and Roman literary theory, his argument aspires to go beyond an esoteric academic debate. Literature can teach and delight in a manner which other methods of communication do not possess (138). The moral/ethical impact any literary text has upon a reader is of paramount importance to Sidney. The argument Sidney presents and develops is built around the assumption that literature has the capacity†¦show more content†¦Where philosophy deals solely with the universal, history is consumed with the particular. Literature is able to deal with the same abstract moral/ethical (universal) concepts with which philosophy grapples by providing examples rooted in concrete, albeit fictionalized, details. History is too concerned with the accurate recording of facts to make any conjectures on such broad, less substantiated concepts. Literature exists between and above history and philosophy because the knowledge it conveys (knowledge of the good) is the best and most useful knowledge that exists. As Sidney states, no learning is so good as that which teacheth and moveth to virtue, and that none can both teach and move thereto so much as poetry (149). Sidney attempts to provide an utterly rational foundation for his claims, however. He develops a systematic analysis of the mechanisms employed by literature to teach virtue. He sorts literature according to its works and its parts. The works of a literary text can be seen in four specific ethical effects which it should seek to elicit in a reader. Sidney defines these four as: the purifying of wit, enriching of memory, enabling of judgement, and enlarging of conceit (139). In order to purify theShow MoreRelated Apology for Poetry Essay1900 Words   |  8 PagesAn â€Å"Apology for Poetry† is a compelling essay refuting the attack on poetry by Puritan and fundamentalist Stephen Gosson. This complex article written by Sir Phillip Sidney represents the decisive rebuttal defending poetry. His strong emotive passages defend the uncongenial comments of poetry from Gosson. Although, his justification for the rebuttal is alluded to Gosson’s durable attacks on poetry; it is known Gosson’s remarks prompt Sidney’s attitude to defend not only against Gosson but as wellRead MoreThe Defense of Poetry and An Apology for Poetry2888 Words   |  11 Pageslater, Sidney’s essay, known as both The Defense of Poetry and An Apology For Poetry, stands as one of the most enduring writings on the merits of poetry and was highly influential upon the views of the period. Written, partially as a response to Stephen Gosson’s ‘Schoo l of Abuse’ and wider challenges to poetry, such as those of Plato. COULD SAY MORE SPECIFICALLY WHAT CHALLENGES HE IS RESPONDING TO HERE The essay operates under the central premise that the highest function of literature is toRead MoreAn Apology for Poetry by Sir Philip Sidney2943 Words   |  12 PagesRichard L. W. Clarke LITS2002 Notes 01 1 SIR PHILIP SIDNEY, AN APOLOGY FOR POETRY (1595) Sidney, Sir Philip. â€Å"An Apology for Poetry.† Critical Theory Since Plato. Ed. Hazard Adam s. New York: Harcourt, Brace, Jovanovich, 1971. 143-162. Sidney’s argum ent is divided into several sections and subsections. In order to m ake sense of this im m ensely long but im portant essay, you should read those sections m arked by an asterisk (*) below and in the order given: 1. From â€Å"Now then we go to the m ostRead MoreSidney Defends The Worth Of Poetry2624 Words   |  11 PagesSidney defends the worth of poetry by presenting us with a long defense written to William Ponsonby, a very popular publisher of the Elizabethan era. Sidney breaks his argument down into eight sections, each one arguing another point as to why poetry is worthy and should not be thought of as sub-par literature. His arguments are thorough, leaving no gaps between thoughts, and very persuasive in both content and style. I believe his argument is both successful and thorough, covering everything thatRead MoreSir Philip Sidney and an Analysis of Six of his Poems Essay4370 Words   |  18 PagesQueen was not as confident in his reply as in the re plies from other representatives. Philip continued in politics and entertained foreign visitors and diplomats. Philip was quite intelligent, and was able to discuss chemistry, science, art, literature, poetry, law, religion, history, politics and military with ease. In 1579 Sir Philip Sidney composed a letter to Queen Elizabeth, opposing her marriage to the Duke of Anjou. The Queen was said to have shed tears upon the reading of this letter, however