Title: A Defence of Poesie and Poems by Sir Philip Sidney

Subject: Sir Philips Sidney

Date:

<aside> 💡 Key Points:

• Main Ideas
• Key words
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<aside> ✏️ Notes:

Main lecture notes

• He begins the English tradition and history of literary Criticism
• “Poesy therefore is an art of Imitation, for so Aristotle termed it in his word mimesis, that is to say, representing, counterfeiting, or figuring forth.” To teach and delight. Similar to Aristotle, Sidney values poetry over history, law, and philosophy, but he takes Aristotle’s idea one step further in declaring that poetry, above all the other arts and sciences, embodies truth. Poetry alone, he declares, is a teacher of virtue, moving the mind and spirit to both teach and desire to be taught. And the poet “is the most persuasive advocate of virtue, and none other exposes vice so effectively.”
• Poetry is the noblest of all works of humankind. He mocks other genres for example tragicomedy, and adds more dictates to Aristotelian tragedy by insisting on unity of action, time and place
• On An apology for poetry Sidney defends poetry against those who view it as a mindless or immoral activity.
• Poets nor only affirm morality, but by engaging the reader’s emotions, blend truth with symbolism, delighting “every sense and faculty of the whole being”
• For him, creative poetry is akin to religion because both guide and accomplish their purpose by stirring the emotions of the reader.
• In the end of his prose he curse all those who do not love poetry, by saying I conjure you all..
• His echo emotionally reverberate throughout in Eng literature especially in British romantic writing 1800s.z
• Sidney argues that poetry is the oldest and most noble form of learning, which has inspired and instructed many great men in history. He also praises the English language as a suitable medium for poetry, and urges his fellow poets to follow the examples of the ancient and modern masters, and to avoid the faults of the contemporary writers. </aside>

<aside> 📎 Summary:

A brief summary and conclusion about the notes/lecture

• The phrase “Queis meliore luto finxit praecordia Titan” is a quotation from Juvenal, a Roman satirist of the 1st and 2nd centuries AD. It means “those whom the Titan (Prometheus) fashioned their hearts with better clay”. Juvenal uses it to refer to a few exceptional young men who can resist the bad influence of their parents and the corruption of their society. Sidney applies it to the rare poets who have a natural gift and talent for poetry, and who can rise above the mediocrity and vulgarity of their age.

In the realm of literary criticism, the figure who initiated the English tradition is none other than the esteemed critic and poet, Sir Philip Sidney. He posits that "Poesy," or poetry, is an art of imitation, a concept he borrows from Aristotle's term "mimesis," which signifies representing, counterfeiting, or figuring forth. However, Sidney takes Aristotle's idea a step further by asserting that poetry, above all other arts and sciences, encapsulates truth.

Sidney extols poetry as the noblest of all human works. He critiques other genres, such as tragicomedy, and adds more dictates to Aristotelian tragedy by insisting on unity of action, time, and place. In his seminal work, "An Apology for Poetry," Sidney staunchly defends poetry against critics who dismiss it as a frivolous or immoral activity. According to Sidney, poets not only affirm morality but also engage the reader's emotions, blending truth with symbolism to delight "every sense and faculty of the whole being." He equates creative poetry with religion, arguing that both guide and accomplish their purpose by stirring the emotions of the reader. In the conclusion of his prose, he vehemently condemns those who do not appreciate poetry, stating, "I conjure you all."

Sidney's influence has had a profound and lasting impact on English literature, particularly in British Romantic writing of the 1800s. He argues that poetry is the oldest and most noble form of learning, having inspired and instructed many great individuals throughout history. He also praises the English language as a suitable medium for poetry and encourages his fellow poets to follow the examples of the ancient and modern masters while avoiding the faults of contemporary writers.

In conclusion, Sidney's contributions to literary criticism and his unwavering advocacy for the value of poetry have left an indelible mark on the field of literature. His belief in the power of poetry to embody truth, teach virtue, and stir emotions continues to resonate in literary circles today.

Write it after the class

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Sir Philip Sidney: The Advocate of Poetry

Sir Philip Sidney, a prominent figure in the English tradition and history of literary criticism, championed the value of poetry as an art form. He asserted that “Poesy,” or poetry, is an art of imitation, a concept he borrowed from Aristotle’s term “mimesis,” which signifies representing, counterfeiting, or figuring forth. However, Sidney took Aristotle’s idea a step further by asserting that poetry, above all other arts and sciences, encapsulates truth.

Sidney extols poetry as the noblest of all human works. He critiques other genres, such as tragicomedy, and adds more dictates to Aristotelian tragedy by insisting on unity of action, time, and place. In his seminal work, “An Apology for Poetry,” Sidney staunchly defends poetry against critics who dismiss it as a frivolous or immoral activity. According to Sidney, poets not only affirm morality but also engage the reader’s emotions, blending truth with symbolism to delight “every sense and faculty of the whole being.” He equates creative poetry with religion, arguing that both guide and accomplish their purpose by stirring the emotions of the reader. In the conclusion of his prose, he vehemently condemns those who do not appreciate poetry, stating, “I conjure you all.”

Sidney’s influence has had a profound and lasting impact on English literature, particularly in British Romantic writing of the 1800s. He argues that poetry is the oldest and most noble form of learning, having inspired and instructed many great individuals throughout history. He also praises the English language as a suitable medium for poetry and encourages his fellow poets to follow the examples of the ancient and modern masters while avoiding the faults of contemporary writers.

In conclusion, Sidney’s contributions to literary criticism and his unwavering advocacy for the value of poetry have left an indelible mark on the field of literature. His belief in the power of poetry to embody truth, teach virtue, and stir emotions continues to resonate in literary circles today.

Title: A Comparative Study of Sir Philip Sidney and William Wordsworth’s Views on Poetry

Sir Philip Sidney and William Wordsworth, two towering figures in the realm of English literature, have made significant contributions to the understanding and appreciation of poetry. Despite their shared love for this art form, their perspectives diverge in terms of the nature, function, and role of poetry and the poet.

Nature of Poetry for Sidney, drawing from Aristotle, views poetry as an “art of imitation,” representing the universal and the ideal. He believes that poetry encapsulates truth and is a reflection of life recognizable to its readers. On the other hand, Wordsworth, a Romantic poet, redefines poetry as the “expression of the imagination.” He sees poetry as a spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings, taking its origin from emotion recollected in tranquility. Function of Poetry For Sidney, the primary functions of poetry are to teach, delight, and move. He asserts that poetry effectively conveys moral and philosophical truths while providing pleasure and emotional stimulation. In contrast, Wordsworth sees the supreme function of poetry as inspiration. He claims that poetry is the source of all knowledge, creativity, and progress, and serves as a catalyst for social and political change.

Role of the Poet as Sidney portrays the poet as a maker, teacher, and leader, with the power to create new worlds, instruct and persuade the audience, and influence society. Wordsworth, however, sees the poet as a visionary, prophet, and legislator. The poet, according to Wordsworth, has the insight to perceive truth, the inspiration to foresee the future, and the ability to shape the values and destiny of humanity.

In conclusion, both Sidney and Wordsworth have made significant contributions to the field of literature. While Sidney focuses on the art of storytelling and the role of the poet as a teacher and leader, Wordsworth emphasizes the power of imagination and the role of the poet as a visionary and prophet. Their theories provide valuable insights into the understanding and appreciation of literature. Despite their differences, both poets share a common belief in the transformative power of poetry and its ability to convey profound truths about the human condition.