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Questions and Answers
Which literary figure emphasized the use of vernacular language in literature?
Which literary figure emphasized the use of vernacular language in literature?
- Horace
- Dante Alighieri (correct)
- Plato
- Sir Philip Sidney
What is the main contribution of Sir Philip Sidney’s work 'An Apology for Poetry'?
What is the main contribution of Sir Philip Sidney’s work 'An Apology for Poetry'?
- It claims poetry is merely a form of entertainment.
- It provides the first influential piece of literary criticism in English history. (correct)
- It argues that poetry should be written in Latin.
- It rejects the classical ideas of mimesis in poetry.
What is the main area of interest in William Wordsworth's criticism?
What is the main area of interest in William Wordsworth's criticism?
- Theme and symbolism
- Literary taste (correct)
- Expression in art
- Historical context
Which concept describes poetry as an art of imitation, according to Sidney's work?
Which concept describes poetry as an art of imitation, according to Sidney's work?
What was one of Dante Alighieri’s main areas of interest in literary criticism?
What was one of Dante Alighieri’s main areas of interest in literary criticism?
What significant change in literary theory does Wordsworth highlight in his preface to Lyrical Ballads?
What significant change in literary theory does Wordsworth highlight in his preface to Lyrical Ballads?
Which of the following statements is true about Sidney's view of poetry?
Which of the following statements is true about Sidney's view of poetry?
According to Wordsworth, what influences a reader's judgment of poetry?
According to Wordsworth, what influences a reader's judgment of poetry?
What technique used in religious writings does Dante suggest can also apply to secular works?
What technique used in religious writings does Dante suggest can also apply to secular works?
What aspect of poetry does Wordsworth emphasize as important in its composition?
What aspect of poetry does Wordsworth emphasize as important in its composition?
What does Wordsworth imply about the language of poetry?
What does Wordsworth imply about the language of poetry?
Who are some of the influences cited by Sidney in his literary theory?
Who are some of the influences cited by Sidney in his literary theory?
What impact did Dante Alighieri have on the audience of literature?
What impact did Dante Alighieri have on the audience of literature?
What does Plato refer to as The One?
What does Plato refer to as The One?
How does Wordsworth suggest poets should approach the rules of poetry?
How does Wordsworth suggest poets should approach the rules of poetry?
How does Plato view the relationship between the material world and the spiritual realm?
How does Plato view the relationship between the material world and the spiritual realm?
What shift in theories does Wordsworth's approach represent?
What shift in theories does Wordsworth's approach represent?
What does Sir Philip Sidney claim about the value of poetry compared to other fields?
What does Sir Philip Sidney claim about the value of poetry compared to other fields?
Which element is NOT part of the unities in tragedy as described by Sidney?
Which element is NOT part of the unities in tragedy as described by Sidney?
What criticism does Plato have towards poets?
What criticism does Plato have towards poets?
Which characteristic of subject matter does Wordsworth advocate for in poetry?
Which characteristic of subject matter does Wordsworth advocate for in poetry?
In John Dryden’s view, what is the status of English drama compared to French drama?
In John Dryden’s view, what is the status of English drama compared to French drama?
What was Plato's initial stance on the role of poets in society?
What was Plato's initial stance on the role of poets in society?
What change did Plato later express regarding poets in society?
What change did Plato later express regarding poets in society?
Which of the following is a main concept from John Dryden's criticisms?
Which of the following is a main concept from John Dryden's criticisms?
What is one of the central themes expressed by poets as mentioned in the content?
What is one of the central themes expressed by poets as mentioned in the content?
According to Plato, why can the works of poets not serve as the foundation for Greek morality?
According to Plato, why can the works of poets not serve as the foundation for Greek morality?
What does Plato imply about the nature of poets in his criticism?
What does Plato imply about the nature of poets in his criticism?
What did John Dryden defend regarding the use of verse in drama?
What did John Dryden defend regarding the use of verse in drama?
Which group of poets does Plato suggest may be tolerated in society?
Which group of poets does Plato suggest may be tolerated in society?
How does creativity in poetry relate to religion according to the content?
How does creativity in poetry relate to religion according to the content?
What does Sidney suggest about the relationship between poetry and truth?
What does Sidney suggest about the relationship between poetry and truth?
What is the concept of 'mimesis' as described by Aristotle?
What is the concept of 'mimesis' as described by Aristotle?
How did Aristotle view the role of poetry in society compared to Plato's view?
How did Aristotle view the role of poetry in society compared to Plato's view?
What does Plato mean when he states, 'imitation is two steps removed from the truth'?
What does Plato mean when he states, 'imitation is two steps removed from the truth'?
According to Aristotle, what should be the focus of a poet's work?
According to Aristotle, what should be the focus of a poet's work?
What debate did Plato initiate concerning literature?
What debate did Plato initiate concerning literature?
What does Aristotle's principle indicate about poetry in relation to reality?
What does Aristotle's principle indicate about poetry in relation to reality?
What is the central disagreement between Plato and Aristotle regarding imitation?
What is the central disagreement between Plato and Aristotle regarding imitation?
In what way did Aristotle's Poetics contribute to literary criticism?
In what way did Aristotle's Poetics contribute to literary criticism?
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Study Notes
Ultimate Reality and Plato
- Ultimate reality is spiritual, referred to as The One by Plato, which comprises ideal forms that exist independently.
- The material world is a shadowy replica of these ideal forms, illustrating the concept that every object has a perfect, unchanging essence (e.g., a chair as a chair).
Plato's Impact on Literature
- Plato's Academy shifted philosophical inquiry toward abstract thinking and truth discovery.
- He criticized poets, labeling them as imitators who are two steps removed from ultimate reality, implying that they produce art that is a mere copy of a copy.
- Poets were deemed untrustworthy and incapable of imparting moral truths, leading to the conclusion that they should be banished from society.
Later Views on Poets
- Plato later reconsidered the banishment of poets, acknowledging their role in celebrating state victories, allowing only honorable poets to remain in society.
Critical Theories by Philosophers
- Plato's ideas on poetry initiated an ongoing debate about the value, nature, and function of literature.
- Key phrases associated with Plato include "Poetry is the imitation of the imitation," emphasizing the distance from reality.
Aristotle's Response
- Aristotle diverged from Plato, arguing that poetry serves a broader purpose by exploring potential realities and universal truths.
- He proposed that poets identify what may happen, rather than merely recounting actual events, thus offering insights into human experiences.
Influence of Aristotle
- Aristotle's criticism foreshadowed modern literary criticism, merging poetic analysis with philosophical inquiry.
- His principles established the foundation for understanding the role of mimesis (imitation) in art, while maintaining that poetry could benefit society.
Dante Alighieri's Contributions
- Dante emphasized the beauty of vernacular language in literature, arguing its appropriateness for poetic expression.
- He employed allegory and symbolism in secular works, expanding the use of poetic techniques beyond religious contexts.
Sir Philip Sidney and the Renaissance
- Sidney's "An Apology for Poetry" solidified Renaissance literary theory, defending poetry as a noble pursuit that teaches and delights.
- He viewed poetry as superior to history and philosophy, embodying deeper truths and moral affirmations.
John Dryden's Neo-Classical Perspective
- Dryden's "An Essay of Dramatic Poesy" articulated the importance of adhering to the unities of time, place, and action in drama.
- He championed the value of English drama over French counterparts and defended the significance of rhymed verse in theatrical works.
The Romantic Period and Wordsworth
- Wordsworth's preface to "Lyrical Ballads" represented a pivotal shift toward valuing common life and natural language in poetry.
- He advocated for individual expression over strict adherence to rules, encouraging readers to rely on personal feelings for judgment.
Transition in Literary Theory
- The Romantic era marked a shift from mimetic and rhetorical theories towards expressive theories in poetry.
- Imagination emerged as a critical element in poetic composition, redefining the roles of poets and expanding the criteria for literary evaluation.
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