Defenders of Poetry in Literature and Theology

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What theological problem did defenders of poetry face?

The existence of moral truths outside theology.

The role of the Holy Spirit in inspiration. (correct)

The interpretation of pagan writings.

The authority of biblical teachings.

Why did defenders of poetry incur hostility from conservative clerics?

They supported suspiciously deistic teachings. (correct)

They proposed mathematical interpretations of scripture.

They relied on emotional rather than rational arguments.

They disregarded the authority of the Bible.

What type of readings did the defenders of poetry claim for their teachings?

Esoteric insights exclusive to poetry.

Moral and cosmological readings. (correct)

Literal interpretations of biblical texts.

Complex historical analyses of pagan works.

What was a common characteristic of the teachings claimed for poetry?

They did not impinge on the authority of the Bible. Signup and view all the answers

What idea about pagan authors did defenders of poetry largely accept?

They were inspired by the Holy Spirit. Signup and view all the answers

What does Dante classify in his letter to Can Grande Della Scala?

The elements of literary works Signup and view all the answers

Which work does Dante's letter serve as an introduction to?

Paradiso Signup and view all the answers

Who is Dante addressing in his letter regarding the literary elements?

Can Grande Della Scala Signup and view all the answers

Who authored the book 'Beginning Theory: An Introduction to Literary and Cultural Theory'?

Peter Barry Signup and view all the answers

What role did the defense of poetry serve in relation to secular criticism?

It was a pillar supporting secular criticism. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of Dante's literary classification, what is the significance of the letter's content?

It provides a guideline for literary analysis. Signup and view all the answers

What is the focus of Christopher Baswell's work titled 'Virgil in Medieval England'?

The interpretation of 'The Aeneid' in medieval contexts Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT a focus of Dante's classification in the letter?

Historical references Signup and view all the answers

In what year was 'Virgil in Medieval England' published?

1995 Signup and view all the answers

Which group was particularly inspired by the defense of poetry mentioned in the content?

Medieval humanists Signup and view all the answers

What can be inferred about the nature of the defense of poetry in relation to humanism?

It supported the development of secular themes. Signup and view all the answers

Which academic focus is discussed in Peter Barry's work?

Literary and cultural theory Signup and view all the answers

What major literary work is central to Baswell's examination?

The Aeneid Signup and view all the answers

In the context provided, what does the term 'stronghold' imply about poetry?

Poetry serves as a foundational argument for other critiques. Signup and view all the answers

How did the defense of poetry affect the intellectual climate of the medieval era?

It encouraged a focus on secular themes. Signup and view all the answers

Who is the author of the commentary on 'De nuptiis Philologiae et Mercurii'?

Silvester Bernard Signup and view all the answers

What is the title of the work that Bernard commented on?

De nuptiis Philologiae et Mercurii Signup and view all the answers

Which edition of the commentary is cited?

1986 Edition Signup and view all the answers

What type of work is 'Reductorium morale' associated with?

Moral commentary Signup and view all the answers

Who edited the work by Silvester Bernard?

H.J. Westra Signup and view all the answers

Who is the author of 'Lollards and their Books'?

Anne Hudson Signup and view all the answers

In what year was 'The Introductions to the Artes in the Twelfth Century' published?

1948 Signup and view all the answers

Where were the works of Anne Hudson and R.W. Hunt published?

London and Ronceverte Signup and view all the answers

What is the main theme of Anne Hudson's work as suggested by its title?

The role of Lollards in early modern England Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the year 1948 in relation to R.W. Hunt's work?

It is the year 'The Introductions to the Artes in the Twelfth Century' was published. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Medieval and Renaissance Literary Criticism

Preface: English literary consciousness began in the Middle Ages. This course outlines the early stages of criticism, encompassing European influences, not just vernacular writers. It's a key to understanding 16th-century Renaissance literature. The Middle Ages were often misunderstood as lacking criticism.
Medieval Criticism: The period between the Classical and Renaissance ages, encompassing eight centuries in England, from Beowulf's composition to Caxton's first printed book (725 AD - 1474 AD). A key development was the adoption of Christianity in the Mediterranean region. Medieval literature was classified under grammar, rhetoric, and poetry, with a focus on systematic poetic grammar.
Renaissance Criticism: The 14th–16th centuries in Europe, characterized by a rebirth of classical learning and a shift from religious to secular themes. The term is associated with Italian origins. Two viewpoints exist: one posits a revival of classical Greek and Roman greatness after the Middle Ages, while the other sees a gradual progression from medieval to Renaissance thought and culture. There's a focus on man's inherent dignity and divinity.
Literary Criticism in the Renaissance: Renaissance criticism sought to justify imaginative literature. Literature was not judged by critical standards. It aimed to establish criteria for evaluating past works and answer Plato's objections. Important critics were Petrarch, Scaliger, Minturno, Boccaccio, and Sidney.
Literary Criticism (Medieval): Focuses on the integration of classical and Christian beliefs. Key critics and works included Augustine, Isidore of Seville, and the Venerable Bede, and his Historia ecclesiastica gentis Anglorum. Critical engagement was heavily influenced by biblical interpretation.
Poetics in the Tudor Age: The lack of explicit literary theories in England during the Middle Ages contrasted with the growing influence of Italian Humanist thought in the 16th century. Key texts of the period included Chaucer's The Nun Priest's Tale and works by William Caxton
English Humanism around 1500: The early English humanists, like Elyot, Wilson, and Ascham, sought to adapt and apply humanist principles from Italy to England, focussing on adapting classical styles to the English vernacular. Key concern was English style, and criticism of verse forms and content.
Early Defenses of Poetry: The 16th century witnessed defenses of poetry, most notably by Sidney. This period saw a mix of praise for classical forms and an emerging sense of indigenous, "native" English literary values
The Early 17th Century (Criticism): This period saw a rise in criticism by authors like Ben Jonson (literary criticism in relation to his plays). Jonson and his contemporaries championed neoclassical ideals in drama and defended the role of playwriting as an important vehicle for social and political commentary, contrasting with purely aesthetic concerns.
The Age of Milton (Criticism): Milton's critical standpoint was influenced by the English Civil War and the Commonwealth, with a focus on poetry's role in shaping civic virtue and challenging political authority.
Continental Critics: Focused on adapting classical approaches to the English language and style. These critics included Julius Caesar Scaliger, and Ludovico Castelvetro, who explored concepts of decorum, imitation, and the function of poetry.
Three Traditions of Critical Thought Mingle in Sidney: Horatian-Aristotelian tradition, Cicero, and neo-Platonic ideals, influencing Sidney's approach. It reflects a syncretic approach.
Poetry in the Rennaissance: Shifting from largely allegorical or religious interpretations towards aesthetic exploration of ideas that were either moral or worldly/worldly and moral

Questions

Key questions regarding Medieval and Renaissance literary theory and criticism are provided. Questions cover Neoplatonism, St. Augustine, Dante, Boccaccio, and other notable figures. Specific issues and theories in literary criticism, like the concept of Imitation, are also discussed.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

This quiz explores the historical and theological challenges faced by defenders of poetry, particularly in relation to conservative religious views. It covers key figures like Dante and significant works such as 'Virgil in Medieval England', examining their contributions to literary and cultural theories. Test your knowledge on these influential topics in literature and theology.