An Apology To Poetry - Philip Sidney

        The Defence of Poesy ( An Apology to Poetry) - Philip Sidney 

An Apology for Poetry (also known as The Defence of Poesy) is a seminal literary work written by Sir Philip Sidney around 1579 and published posthumously in 1595. It is considered one of the first works of literary criticism in English and a foundational text in the defence of poetry during the English Renaissance.

An Apology for Poetry:

In his essay, Sidney defends poetry against the criticisms commonly made by Puritans and other moralists of his time, who argued that poetry was:

• Deceitful, because it tells lies;

• Morally corrupting, because it stirs emotions and promotes idleness;

• Inferior to philosophy or history, because it does not deal in truth or practical knowledge.

Sidney’s Defense :

1. Poetry teaches and delights:
   Sidney argues that poetry uniquely combines instruction and pleasure, making moral lessons more effective and memorable.

2. All disciplines stem from poetry:
   He claims that even history and philosophy originally sprang from poetry, which was the first form of learning and expression.

3. Poets are creators:
   Unlike historians (who must report what is) or philosophers (who discuss what should be), poets have the liberty to present idealized truths, combining imagination and virtue.

4. Poetry moves people to virtue:
   Because it appeals to both reason and emotion, poetry has the power to inspire virtuous action more effectively than dry logic or mere facts.

5. Classical and biblical support:
   Sidney references ancient poets (like Homer and Virgil), as well as biblical figures (like David, the Psalmist), to show the enduring value and moral power of poetry.

Poetry Teaches and Entertains
Sidney’s highlights the two major purposes of poetry: it teaches and it delights. Other subjects, like history or philosophy, may teach people, but they can be boring or difficult to understand. Poetry, on the other hand, makes learning enjoyable. Because it is pleasant to read or hear, people are more likely to listen to the lessons it gives.

Poetry inspires us to be better
Sidney says that poetry doesn’t just tell us what is good or right, though' it makes us want to do it. While a philosopher may explain what courage is, a poet can show us a brave hero and make us feel inspired. Poetry helps move our hearts, not just our minds.

Poets do not Lie
Some people said poetry was full of lies because it talks about made-up things. Sidney replies that poets don’t claim their stories are true, but they use imagination to show what could or should be true. Because of this, poetry can offer a deeper kind of truth: the truth of ideals and possibilities.

Poetry has a long and noble history
Sidney points out that in ancient times, poets were highly respected. Even famous thinkers and leaders read and wrote poetry. He also reminds us that some parts of the Bible, like the Psalms, are poems, highlighting that poetry has always been important to human culture and spiritual life.

Conclusion
In An Apology for Poetry, Sidney shows that poetry is more than pretty words. It teaches, inspires, and shapes the way we think and feel. For Sidney, poetry is not a threat to human society; it is one of its greatest treasures.