How Does Sidney Defend Poetry Against the Allegations

Answer

How does Sidney defend poetry against the allegations brought by Gosson?

Or Critically comment on the arguments Sidney advances in favour of poetry.

Or What charges are brought against poetry, and how does Sidney defend them?

In “An Apology for Poetry (1595),” Sir Philip Sidney (1554-1586) defends poetry against common criticisms. Many people, especially Stephen Gosson (1554-1624), mocked poetry during his time. They called it childish or useless. Sidney argues that poetry is valuable and noble. He answers the charges against poetry. He also explains why it is important for education and morality. His defense shows that poetry teaches better than history or philosophy. Below are four key charges against poetry and Sidney’s strong responses to them.

Full of Lies: Critics say that poetry is full of lies. They believe poets make up fake stories. So poetry cannot be trusted. Sidney answers this by saying poets do not lie. Poets never say that their stories are real. Just like Aesop’s fables, poetry uses fiction to teach moral lessons. Everyone knows that poems are made-up stories. Even history books add false speeches to make events clear. Poets use imagination to show good examples. These stories may not be true, but they teach the truth. For example, stories like The Tortoise and the Hare teach patience. So, poetry is not lying. Instead, it is teaching through stories.

Waste of Time: Gosson claims poetry is useless. They think it does not teach practical skills like science or math. Sidney disagrees. He says poetry teaches morality better than other subjects. Philosophy uses hard words, and history mixes good and bad examples. It is evident in the following quote.

“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.”

But poetry combines both. It gives clear lessons through stories. For example, reading about brave heroes like Aeneas inspires courage. Poetry also makes learning enjoyable. So people remember lessons longer. Even kings like