The Defense of Poesy by Sir Phillip Sidney

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Questions and Answers

Who does Sir Philip Sidney criticize for seeking to deface poetry?

He criticizes those who profess learning and inveigh against poetry.

According to Sir Philip Sidney, what is the role of poetry in educating people?

The role of poetry is to be the first lightgiver to ignorance and the first nurse, enabling people to feed on tougher knowledge afterwards.

Which three poets does Sir Philip Sidney mention as the first writers in Greece?

Musæus, Homer, and Hesiod.

What skill did the writers Orpheus and Linus possess according to Sir Philip Sidney?

<p>They possessed the skill of making pens deliver knowledge to their posterity, and they were the first of their country to do so.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What metaphor does Sir Philip Sidney use to describe the impact of poetry on people's minds?

<p>He uses the metaphor of Amphion moving stones with his poetry to build Thebes, and Orpheus being listened to by beasts, to illustrate the charming sweetness of poetry drawing people to an admiration of knowledge.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Whom does Sidney criticize?

Critics who claim to be learned but attack poetry.

What is poetry's educational role?

Poetry is the initial source of enlightenment and nurturing for those who are ignorant. Poetry prepares people for more difficult knowledge.

Who were the first Greek poets?

Musaeus, Homer, and Hesiod.

What was Orpheus' and Linus' skill?

Orpheus and Linus were the first to transmit knowledge to future generations through writing.

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What is poetry's impact?

The impact of poetry is described as Amphion moving stones to build Thebes and Orpheus charming beasts, which shows how poetry draws people to knowledge.

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Study Notes

Sir Philip Sidney's Critique of Poetry

Sir Philip Sidney criticizes the puritans for seeking to deface poetry.

The Role of Poetry in Education

According to Sir Philip Sidney, poetry plays a crucial role in educating people.

The First Poets in Greece

Sir Philip Sidney mentions Homer, Pindar, and Sophocles as the first writers of poetry in Greece.

The Skill of Orpheus and Linus

According to Sir Philip Sidney, Orpheus and Linus, the writers of ancient Greece, possessed the skill of music.

The Impact of Poetry on People's Minds

Sir Philip Sidney uses the metaphor of a "medicine" to describe the impact of poetry on people's minds, suggesting that poetry has a healing and transformative effect.