Philip Sidney’s An Apology for Poetry | A Comprehensive Analysis | Elizabethan Criticism скачать в хорошем качестве

Philip Sidney’s An Apology for Poetry | A Comprehensive Analysis | Elizabethan Criticism

Philip Sidney's The Defence of Poesy (also known as An Apology for Poetry) is one of the most important works of literary criticism from the English Renaissance. Written around 1580 (published posthumously in 1595), it defends poetry against Puritan and Platonic criticisms, arguing for its moral and educational value. Sidney’s defense celebrates poetry’s ability to inspire, teach, and elevate the human spirit. In this work, Sidney highlights Humanist ideals while merging Aristotelian mimesis (imitation) with Horatian dulce et utile (delight and instruction), emphasizing poetry’s role in shaping virtuous citizens. He aligns poetry with divine inspiration (e.g., Biblical psalms), countering Puritan claims. While examining the Puritanical objections against poetry and drama (Poetry corrupts), Sidney shifts the accusation and claims that abuse comes from bad poets, not poetry itself (just as a sword’s misuse doesn’t condemn the weapon). He laments the poor state of English literature during his time, criticizing unrhymed, verbose translations and clumsy dramatic conventions that ignore the unities of time and space while mixing comedy and tragedy without purpose. Yet, he praises Gorboduc (early English tragedy) and Chaucer’s Troilus and Criseyde. . . . . So this is it for today. We will continue to discuss the history of English Literary Criticism. Please stay connected with the Discourse. Thanks and Regards!