An Apology for Poetry Quiz and Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary motivation behind Philip Sidney's 'An Apology for Poetry'?

To showcase the power of imaginative literature

To respond to Stephen Gosson's criticism of the English stage (correct)

To defend poetry against the attacks of Plato

To promote the works of Edmund Spenser

What is the central argument of Philip Sidney's 'An Apology for Poetry'?

Poetry is a superior means of communication that combines the liveliness of history with the ethical focus of philosophy (correct)

Poetry is only useful for entertaining the masses

Poetry is a waste of time and the mother of lies

Poetry is a mere imitation of reality with no educational value

What is Philip Sidney's view on the value of poetry?

The value of poetry depends on what is communicated (correct)

The value of poetry lies in its ability to entertain

The value of poetry lies in its ability to imitate reality

The value of poetry lies in its ability to teach

Who dedicated 'The School of Abuse' to Philip Sidney?

Stephen Gosson Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the charges made by Stephen Gosson against poetry?

Poetry is a waste of time Signup and view all the answers

What is the title of Philip Sidney's work that defends poetry?

An Apology for Poetry Signup and view all the answers

What was the goal of Sir Philip Sidney's essay 'An Apology for Poetry'?

To restore poetry to its rightful place among the arts Signup and view all the answers

What was the 'Areopagus'?

A humanist endeavour to classicise English verse Signup and view all the answers

According to Sidney, what has led to poetry's bad reputation?

The misunderstandings about the true nature of poetry Signup and view all the answers

What is the central idea of Sidney's theory of poetry?

Poetry is a tool for teaching virtue Signup and view all the answers

What is the structure of Sidney's essay 'An Apology for Poetry'?

A seven-part structure, following a classical oration Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the anecdote about horse-riding in Sidney's essay?

To introduce the main argument of the essay Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of poetry according to Sidney?

To inspire people to become courageous and patriotic Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between poetry and philosophy, according to Sidney?

Philosophy teaches virtues through abstract examples, while poetry teaches virtues through example and percept Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of Sidney's ideal poet's world?

It is a world of inspiring things, where good is rewarded and evil is punished Signup and view all the answers

What is the most effective form of poetry, according to Sidney?

Epic Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary objective of Sidney's work, 'The Defence of Poesy'?

To defend the superiority of poetry over philosophy and history Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of Sidney's family background?

It made him a prominent figure of the Elizabethan age Signup and view all the answers

What is the reason for the flourishing of anti-theatricality in Sidney's circle?

The emerging consumer culture and its values Signup and view all the answers

What is Sidney's main concern with regards to drama?

The manner in which the matter is conveyed Signup and view all the answers

According to Sidney, what is the basis of tragedy?

Laws of poesy Signup and view all the answers

What is the structure of Sidney's 'An Apology for Poetry'?

A judicial oration for the defense Signup and view all the answers

Why is Sidney's reverence for the poet as soldier significant?

Because he was a soldier at one time Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of the growing money economy in Europe during Sidney's time?

Social mobility Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of forensic rhetoric in Sidney's defense of poetry?

To make a argument that poetry is defensible Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of Sidney's use of classical oration in his Apology?

It stems from his humanist education Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of Sidney's use of metaphor and allegory in his Apology?

To conceal and reveal his position Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of Sidney's use of horsemanship as imagery and analogy?

It substantiates his vision of the transformational power of poetry Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between poetry and memory, according to Sidney?

Poetry has an affinity with memory Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of Sidney's method and style in the Apology?

To overcome the problem of censorship Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Philip Sidney's Defense of Poetry

Philip Sidney's "An Apology for Poetry" is a work of literary criticism that defends poetry against attacks made on it by the puritan, Stephen Gosson.
The essay was written in approximately 1580 and published in 1595, after Sidney's death.

Structure and Rhetoric

Sidney employs forensic rhetoric as a tool to make his argument, using the structure of classical oration with its conventional divisions such as exordium and peroratio.
He uses metaphor and allegory to conceal and reveal his position, for instance, using horsemanship as imagery and analogy to substantiate his vision of the transformational power of poetry.

Sidney's Defense of Poetry

Sidney argues that poetry is a superior means of communication that combines the liveliness of history with the ethical focus of philosophy.
He believes poetry has the power to reproduce an ideal golden world, not just the brazen world.
Sidney contends that poetry teaches virtue by example as well as by precept (a blend of abstract and concrete), making it a more effective means of rousing readers to virtuous action.

Charges Against Poetry and Sidney's Responses

The charges against poetry include:
- Poetry is the waste of time
- Poetry is the mother of lies
- It is the nurse of abuse
- Plato banished poets from his ideal world
Sidney responds to these charges by arguing that poetry is the source of knowledge and a civilizing force.

Sidney's Theory of Poetry

Sidney defines poetry as an art of imitation for a specific purpose, namely to teach and delight.
He believes poetry has a higher moral purpose, aiming to create an ideal world where good is rewarded and evil is punished.
According to Sidney, poetry holds a superior position to philosophy and history as it teaches virtue by example as well as by precept.

Epic Poetry

Sidney regards epic poetry as the best form, as it portrays heroic deeds and inspires people to become courageous and patriotic.

Biographical Notes on Philip Sidney

Philip Sidney was an English poet, courtier, scholar, and soldier born on November 30, 1554, and died on October 17, 1586.
His works include "Astrophel and Stella", "The Defence of Poesy" (also known as "An Apology for Poetry"), and "The Countess of Pembroke's Arcadia".
Sidney was educated at Shrewsbury and Christ Church, Oxford, and was the eldest son of Sir Henry Sidney and Lady Mary Dudley.

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