Philip Sidney’s “An Apology for Poetry”

Introduction

Sidney, born in 1554 and a prominent figure of the Elizabethan/Renaissance period, was a multifaceted writer known for his sonnet sequence “Astrophel and Stella” and his pastoral romance “The Arcadia.” However, “An Apology for Poetry” is perhaps his most influential work, offering a robust defense against contemporary criticisms of poetry. Philip Sidney’s “An Apology for Poetry,” also known as “The Defence of Poesy,” stands as a seminal work in literary criticism. Written around 1580 and published posthumously in 1595, Sidney’s treatise addresses the charges against poetry, particularly those posited by Stephen Gosson in his 1579 work “The School of Abuse.” Sidney’s defense is meticulously structured and draws on classical rhetoric, seeking not only to vindicate poetry but to elevate its status above other forms of knowledge and expression.

About the Author Philip Sidney

1. Birth and Death: Philip Sidney was born in 1554 and died in 1586.
2. Literary Period: Sidney’s works belong to the Elizabethan/Renaissance period.
3. Famous Works:
   • “Astrophel and Stella”: A collection of sonnets dedicated to Penelope Devereux.
   • “The Arcadia”: A pastoral romance.
   • “An Apology for Poetry”: A significant work of literary criticism.

About the Book “An Apology for Poetry”

1. Title Variations: The book is known by several titles, including “An Apology for Poetry,” “The Defence of Poesy,” and “A Defence of Poesie.”
2. Composition and Publication: It was written around 1580 and published posthumously in 1595.
3. Form: Sidney employs a utilitarian viewpoint, emphasizing actions that maximize happiness and well-being.
4. Structure: The work follows a seven-part classical oration structure:
   • Exordium: Introduction to gain attention, using a humorous reference to John Pietro Pugliano’s praise of horses and horsemanship.
   • Narration: Statement of facts, asserting that the poet’s aim is to teach and delight.
   • Propositio: Thesis or argument, identifying three kinds of poets.
   • Confirmatio: Evidence supporting the thesis, arguing poetry’s superiority over other disciplines.
   • Refutatio: Rebuttal of arguments against poetry.
   • Digressio: Discussion of the state of contemporary English poetry.
   • Peroratio: Conclusion, drawing on Plato and Aristotle to define and defend poetry.

Influence

1. Impact on Later Writers: P.B. Shelley was inspired by Sidney’s work, leading him to write “A Defence of Poetry” in 1821, published posthumously in 1840. Shelley’s essay was a response to Thomas Love Peacock’s “The Four Ages of Poetry” (1820).

Motivation Behind “An Apology for Poetry” / Reason behind writing the book “An Apology for Poetry”

1. Response to Criticism: Sidney was partly motivated by Stephen Gosson’s “The School of Abuse” (1579), which criticized the English stage and literature. However, Sidney also addresses broader objections to poetry, particularly those from Plato.

Charges against Poetry by Stephen Gosson

1. Poetry as a Waste of Time: Gosson claimed poetry is unproductive.
2. Poetry as the Mother of Lies: Gosson argued that poetry perpetuates falsehoods.
3. Poetry as the Nurse of Abuse: Gosson believed poetry encouraged immoral behaviour.
4. Platonic Ban on Poets: Gosson agreed with Plato’s banishment of poets from his ideal republic.

Sidney’s Defence of Poetry

1. Utility of Poetry / First Charge of Gosson: Sidney asserts that no learning is as beneficial as poetry, which teaches and inspires virtue.
2. Poets and Truth / Second Charge of Gosson: Sidney argues that poets are the least deceitful, as they create through imagination and emotion, without claiming literal truth. Unlike other disciplines, poets “nothing affirm” and thus “never lie.”
3. Misuse of Poetry / Third Charge of Gosson: Sidney acknowledges that poetry can be misused, but blames the misuse on individuals, not the art itself. The abuse of poetry is not the fault of poetry, but of the poet.
4. Plato’s Ban / Fourth Charge of Gosson: Sidney clarifies that Plato’s banishment targeted immoral poets of his time, not poetry itself. Plato recognized poetry’s divine inspiration and its potential to uplift.

The Greatness of Poetry (Sidney’s Concept)

1. Historical Primacy: Sidney emphasizes that poetry preceded other forms of learning in all nations, making it the “father of learning.” He cites examples from various cultures to show that poetry was the earliest form of literature.
2. Reverence for Poets: Ancient Romans revered poets as “Vates” (diviners or prophets), and Greeks honoured poets as creators, indicating the divine nature of poetry.
3. Classification of Poetry:
   • Religious Poetry: Praises God.
   • Philosophical Poetry: Conveys philosophical wisdom.
   • Right Poetry: Composed by noble poets, offering a true sense of the world. This includes epic, tragic, comic, lyric, satiric, and pastoral poetry.
4. Superiority over History and Philosophy: Sidney argues that poetry combines the virtues of both history (examples) and philosophy (precepts), teaching and delighting simultaneously.
   • Teaching and Delighting: Poetry offers both instruction and pleasure.
   • Combination of Precept and Example: Poetry uniquely blends moral lessons with illustrative narratives.
   • Achieving beyond History and Philosophy: Poetry not only presents what is but also inspires what could be, leading to virtuous action.
   • Ideal Characters: Poetry’s representation of ideal characters guides men towards virtuous behaviour.
5. Independence from Nature: Poetry can transcend natural limitations, creating idealized forms and visions that inspire and uplift.
6. Ethical Effects of Poetry:
   • Purification of Wit: Poetry refines the intellect.
   • Enrichment of Memory: Poetry enhances memory through its memorable expressions.
   • Enabling Judgment: Poetry helps in developing sound judgment by relating literary memories to personal experiences.
   • Enlarging Imagination: Poetry expands creative and conceptual horizons.

Sidney’s Conclusions

1. Poetry’s Role in Education: Sidney underscores the importance of poetry in moral and intellectual education. It uniquely combines teaching with emotional engagement, making it an effective tool for inspiring virtuous behaviour.
2. Divine Inspiration: Poetry’s ability to create new worlds and idealized visions indicates its divine inspiration, setting it apart from other forms of knowledge and expression.
3. Defense against Critics: Sidney’s defence addresses and refutes the criticisms of poetry, particularly those from Stephen Gosson and Plato. By clarifying misconceptions and highlighting poetry’s unique virtues, Sidney elevates the status of poetry and affirms its indispensable role in society.

Conclusion

Philip Sidney’s “An Apology for Poetry” remains a foundational text in literary criticism, offering a comprehensive and eloquent defence of poetry. By addressing contemporary criticisms and drawing on classical rhetorical structures, Sidney constructs a compelling argument for the value and superiority of poetry. His work highlights poetry’s unique ability to teach and delight, its precedence in human culture, and its ethical and intellectual benefits. Sidney’s treatise continues to influence literary thought, affirming the enduring importance of poetry in human life.