An Apology for Poetry : Quotations
An Apology for Poetry is a notable literary work by Philip Sidney. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, and various study materials of An Apology for Poetry.
Quotations
Quote 1: Origin of Poetry: “It cometh of this word Poiein, which is to make wherein I know not whether by luck or wisdom, we English men have met with the Greeks in calling him ‘a maker’.”
Explanation: Sidney explains that the word ‘poet’ comes from the Greek ‘Poiein,’ meaning ‘to make.’ Poets are creators, like God. They create something new and meaningful.
Quote 2: Value of Meaning over Rhyming: “It is not rhyming and versing that maketh a poet. One may be a poet without versifying or a versifier without poetry.”
Explanation: Sidney says rhyme alone does not make poetry. A poem must carry deep meaning. A true poet creates to teach and delight, not just to rhyme.
Quote 3: Limitation of Contemporary Drama: “Delight hath a joy in it, either permanent or present. Laughter hath only a scornful teaching.”
Explanation: Sidney compares delight with laughter. Delight gives true joy, but laughter often mocks. He criticizes comedies that only aim to make fun.
Quote 4: Poetry over Philosophy: “For conclusion, I say the philosopher teaches, but he teaches obscurely, so as the learned only can understand him, that is to say, he teaches that are already taught.”
Explanation: Sidney says philosophers teach in a complex way. Only educated people understand them. But poetry teaches everyone, clearly and beautifully.
Quote 5: Words of Poetry Haters: “…while you live, you live in love but never get favour for lacking skill of a sonnet and when you die, your memory die from the earth for want of an epitaph.”
Explanation: Sidney mocks those who hate poetry. He says they cannot win love or be remembered after death. Poetry gives lasting fame and love.
Quote 6: Poor Condition of Poetry: “I have just cause to make a pitiful defence of poor poetry which from almost the highest estimation of learning is fallen to be the laughing-stock of children.”
Explanation: Sidney says poetry was once highly respected. But now it is laughed at by even children. He defends it with sorrow and hope.
Quote 7: Definition of Poetry: “Poetry, therefore, is an art of imitation, for so Aristotle termeth it in his word Mimesis.”
Explanation: Sidney defines poetry using Aristotle’s idea. Poetry is imitation, not simple copying. It shows life in a way that teaches and delights.
Quote 8: Perfect Imitation: “That imitation whereof poetry is, has the most conveniency to nature of all other;”
Explanation: Sidney says poetry imitates nature better than anything else. It shows truth in a beautiful way. This is why poetry feels so real.
Quote 9: Ideal Tragedy: “The ideal tragedy is an imitation of the noble action in the representation of which it stirs, admiration and commiseration.”
Explanation: Sidney explains what a perfect tragedy should do. It copies great actions that move us deeply. It teaches by making us feel.
Quote 10: Poets as Cultural Leaders: “So among the Romans were Livius Andronicus, and Ennius. So in the Italian language, the first that made it aspire to be a treasure-house of science were the poets Dante, Boccace, and Petrarch. So in our English were Gower and Chaucer.”
Explanation: Sidney says poets helped build great languages. In Rome, Italy, and England, poets led the way. They made language powerful and meaningful.