How Does Sidney Establish the Poet’s Superiority Over Philosophers and Historians?
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.
Answer
How does Sidney establish the poet’s superiority over Philosophers and Historians?
Or, How, according to Sidney, is the poet similar to and different from the philosopher?
Or, How does Sidney establish the superiority of poetry over Philosophy and History?
In “An Apology for Poetry (1595),” Sir Philip Sidney (1554-1586) argues that poetry is superior to philosophy and history. He believes poetry teaches morality better than these subjects. While philosophy gives rules but no examples, history gives examples but no clear lessons. Poetry combines both. It teaches through stories that inspire people. Sidney says poetry touches the heart. It makes learning enjoyable and effective. Below are five key reasons why Sidney thinks poetry is better than philosophy and history.
Poetry Over Philosophy: Sidney says philosophy teaches good things. But it uses hard and complex words. Most people do not understand it. Philosophers give advice and rules, but they do not show real-life 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.”
That is why their teaching does not touch people deeply. People may listen, but forget it quickly. Sidney says poetry is better because it teaches the same good ideas in an easy way. It uses stories that everyone can understand and remember. For example, reading about Aeneas’s loyalty teaches better than a philosophy lecture. Even children learn from fables like The Tortoise and the Hare. Philosophy only speaks to the wise, but poetry speaks to everyone.
Clearer Lessons Than History: History tells true events, but mixes good and bad examples. It shows that evil people succeed and good people suffer. This confuses readers about right and wrong. Poetry, however, creates ideal examples. Like Sidney, Aristotle also makes poetry superior to history through these words:
“Poetry, therefore, is … a higher thing than history: for poetry tends to express the universal, history the particular.”