12 Questions
According to Philip Sidney, what is the purpose of poetry?
To teach and delight
In response to Stephen Gosson's criticism, how does Philip Sidney view the role of poetry in society?
As a civilizing force and source of knowledge
Why does Philip Sidney prefer imaginative literature over history and philosophy?
Because imaginative literature teaches better and reproduces an ideal world
How does Philip Sidney respond to the claim that poetry is a waste of time?
By dismissing the claim as untrue, stating poetry teaches virtue
What is one of the specific charges made by Stephen Gosson against poetry that Philip Sidney addresses in his defense?
Poetry is the nurse of abuse
How does Philip Sidney contrast poetry with history when discussing their impact on society?
Poetry can reproduce an ideal golden world while history cannot
What does Philip Sidney view as the main value of poetry according to the text?
It teaches better than history and philosophy
How does Philip Sidney refute the claim that poetry is a waste of time?
By arguing that learning through poetry leads to virtue
In Philip Sidney's view, how does poetry contribute to education in ideal societies?
By serving as the main source of education
Why does Philip Sidney mention ancient Greek society in his defense of poetry?
To highlight how poetry was valued and respected
How does Philip Sidney differentiate between the teaching methods of poetry and other disciplines like history and philosophy?
Poetry prioritizes moving individuals towards virtue, unlike history or philosophy
What is Philip Sidney's response to the accusation that poetry is the mother of lies?
He disagrees, stating that historical facts can be presented poetically while still being true
Study Notes
Philip Sidney's Defense of Poetry
- According to Philip Sidney, the purpose of poetry is to idealize and inspire people to virtuous action.
Response to Stephen Gosson's Criticism
- Sidney views poetry as a means to improve society by inspiring virtuous action, rather than as a waste of time.
- He argues that poetry has a unique ability to move and inspire people, making it more effective than history and philosophy.
Preference for Imaginative Literature
- Sidney prefers imaginative literature because it has the power to inspire virtuous action and improve society.
Response to Criticism of Poetry
- Sidney responds to the claim that poetry is a waste of time by arguing that it has the power to inspire virtuous action and improve society.
- He asserts that poetry is a valuable tool for education in ideal societies, as it inspires people to virtuous action.
Comparison with History
- Sidney contrasts poetry with history, arguing that poetry inspires virtuous action, while history only records past events.
- He views poetry as a more effective tool for improving society than history.
Value of Poetry
- Sidney views the main value of poetry as its ability to inspire virtuous action and improve society.
Refutation of Criticism
- Sidney refutes the claim that poetry is a waste of time by arguing that it has the power to inspire virtuous action and improve society.
Contribution to Education
- In Sidney's view, poetry contributes to education in ideal societies by inspiring people to virtuous action.
Ancient Greek Society
- Sidney mentions ancient Greek society as an example of a society that valued poetry as a means of inspiring virtuous action and improving society.
Differentiation from Other Disciplines
- Sidney differentiates between the teaching methods of poetry and other disciplines like history and philosophy, arguing that poetry inspires virtuous action, while history and philosophy only provide knowledge.
Response to Accusation of Lying
- Sidney responds to the accusation that poetry is the mother of lies by arguing that poetry is a valuable tool for inspiring virtuous action and improving society.
Test your knowledge on Philip Sidney's defense of poetry in 'The Defence of Poesy' where he responds to criticism by Stephen Gosson. Explore Sidney's views on poetry as a means of teaching, delighting, and communicating effectively.
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