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

Literature and Virtue in Sidneys Apology for Poetry In An Apology for Poetry Sir Philip Sidney attempts to reassert the fundamental wideness of literature to society in general as well as to other creative and intellectual endeavors. Though Sidneys work does provide a tax write-off (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 delight in a manner which other methods of communication do not possess (138). The moral/ethical impact any literary text has upon a reader is of paramount importance to Sidney. The argument Sidney presents and develops is built around the assumption that literature has the capacity to teach most effectively and to demonstrate virtue. Perhaps in better understanding how Sidney specifically supports this claim, we can better assess its strength or validity. Sidney places literature in an hierarchical relationship with all other forms of en cyclopedism literature inhabits the highest and most influential tier. Literature is the first light-giver to ignorance, and from it all other sources of knowledge have been nurtured (135). As the first use of language beyond the in all utilitarian, literature stretches and expands language to accommodate broader and more conceptual inquiries. Though an ardent admirer of Platonic philosophy, Sydney, in order to serve his intellectual exercise, rewrites or rehabilitates Platos approximative stance on the worthlessness of literature. Unlike Platos poet who perpetuates images far removed from the Truth, Sidneys poet can dip into the existence of Forms, the Ideal, and provide us with knowledge of virtue. While the tangible world of... ...ry (150). Sidneys responses have become 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 substitutable with virtuous act ion. Such modern interpretations of Sidneys defense of literature seem to strike against the very heart of his argument. Sidney seems to understand all too well that human beings kinsfolk both virtuous and vicious impulses it is within our power to infuse 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.