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 favor of poetry.

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

In “An Apology for Poetry” (1595), Philip Sidney (1554-1586) defends poetry against its critics. Sidney has given his logical and convincing answers against all the objections to poetry. There is no exaggeration in the essay, but there are strong references to defend poetry.

Objections or Imputations to Poetry:  Sidney mentions the blames of poetry in a very fantastic way:

Now then go we to the most important imputations laid to the poor poets.

It is generally believed that Sidney was motivated by Stephen Gosson’s “The School of Abuse,” in which Stephen Gosson brought the following four accusations against poetry.

1. Poetry is a waste of time
2. Poetry is the mother of lies
3. It is a nurse of abuse (Poetry corrupts morals)
4. Plato has rightly banished the poets from his ideal state or commonwealth.

Source of Virtue and Morality: Poetry’s first major charge is that “poetry is a waste of time.” Sidney argues that poetry is the best teacher. It teaches people virtue (goodness) and morality (right and wrong). Unlike history, which only tells what happened, and philosophy, which is too difficult, poetry teaches moral lessons in an enjoyable way. Sidney says:

Whatsoever the philosopher saith should be done, [the poet] giveth a perfect picture of it.

Sidney gives the example of Christ’s parables in the Bible. Jesus taught people through simple stories instead of complex ideas—making it easier for them to understand. Thus, poetry is not a waste of time—it guides people to be better human beings.

Poetry is not a Lie: Another accusation is that poetry is full of lies and falsehood. Critics argue that poets create imaginary worlds, fictional characters, and events that never really happened. They believe that poetry misleads people and is not trustworthy.

Sidney argues that poetry does not lie because poets never claim that their stories are real. He argues:

The poet is the least liar;… For the poet, he nothing affirmeth, and therefore never lieth.

In simple words, of all writers, poets are the most truthful. This is because poets never claim their stories are true. Instead, poetry creates a second world of imagination, not to deceive, but to inspire.

Sidney also says that history and philosophy can be false, too. Historians often make mistakes or write biased accounts of events, and philosophers disagree with each other about truth. Thus, poetry is more honest than history or philosophy. Poetry does not pretend to be fact—it openly declares itself as fiction.

Poetry is not Immoral: Some critics say that poetry is dangerous because it encourages immorality. They argue that love poems promote lust, and heroic poems make people violent. They believe that poetry fills people’s minds with sinful and harmful ideas.

Sidney argues that poetry itself is not immoral—only bad poets write immoral things. Just as some people misuse medicine or law, some poets misuse poetry, but that does not make all poetry bad. He also points out that poetry can teach good values by showing examples of virtue, courage, and justice. Great poems inspire people to be noble and kind, not sinful.

Sidney gives the example of Menenius Agrippa, a Roman politician who used a poetic fable to stop a civil war. This proves that poetry can help society, not corrupt it.

Plato Did Not Ban Poetry: Critics point out that Plato, one of the greatest philosophers, wanted to ban poets from his ideal city. They say that if Plato, such a wise man, opposed poetry, it must be harmful.

Sidney argues that Plato was actually a poet himself! He wrote in a beautiful, poetic style and used stories (like the Myth of the Cave) to explain his ideas. Sidney also says that Plato only wanted to ban bad poets, not poetry itself. Plato disliked poets who spread false religious ideas, but he still respected poetry’s power.

In conclusion, Sidney proves that all criticisms against poetry are wrong. Poetry is not a waste of time, not full of lies, and not corrupting. Poetry was the first teacher of humankind. In ancient times, poetry helped people understand life and morality—and it is still doing the same, in every culture and every religion.