Literature and Virtue in Sidneys Apology for Poetry Essay -- Apology

lit and Virtue in Sidneys Apology for Poetry In An Apology for Poetry Sir Philip Sidney attempts to reassert the fundamental importance of literature to association in general as well as to other originative and intellectual endeavors. Though Sidneys work does provide a synthesis (and in some cases an aberration) of much Greek and Roman literary theory, his argument aspires to go beyond an esoteric academic debate. Literature can teach and enamour in a manner which other methods of communication do not possess (138). The moral/ethical impact any literary textbook has upon a reader is of paramount importance to Sidney. The argument Sidney presents and develops is built about the assumption that literature has the capacity to teach most effectively and to parade virtue. Perhaps in stop understanding how Sidney specifically supports this claim, we can better assess its strength or validity. Sidney places literature in an hierarchical consanguinity with all other forms of le arning literature inhabits the highest and most influential tier. Literature is the prototypal light-giver to ignorance, and from it all other sources of knowledge take over been nurtured (135). As the first use of language beyond the completely utilitarian, literature stretches and expands language to gruntle broader and more conceptual inquiries. Though an ardent admirer of Platonic philosophy, Sydney, in order to serve his intellectual exercise, rewrites or rehabilitates Platos harsh stance on the worthlessness of literature. Unlike Platos poet who perpetuates images far removed from the Truth, Sidneys poet can dip into the sphere of Forms, the Ideal, and provide us with knowledge of virtue. While the tangible world of... ...ry (150). Sidneys responses have constitute the mainstay of the supporters of a liberal arts education. Unfortunately, literature has become sanctified to the extent that knowledge of literature has become practically synonymous with virtuous action. Such modern interpretations of Sidneys defense of literature seem to stumble against the very heart of his argument. Sidney seems to understand all too well that gentle beings house both virtuous and vicious impulses it is within our power to steep our creations with both the sinister and the sublime. Because this is true of any human invention, Sidney counsels that the potential of literature for good or ill should not be easily discounted or dismissed. Works Cited Sidney, Philip. An Apology for Poetry The Critical Tradition. Ed., David H. Richter, New York St. Martins Press, 1989.