The Defence of Poesy

Details of the literary criticism from the age of sir philip sydney to samuel johnson

Detailed criticism since the age of philip sydney to samuel johnson

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Are you looking for criticism about the two men? Their beliefs? A comparison of their beliefs and writings? I am very familiar with Dr. Johnson, but I'd have to do some research to check what I remember about Sydney.

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A Deeper Dive into Literary Criticism: From Sidney to Johnson (1554-1784) The period between Sir Philip Sidney and Samuel Johnson represents a crucial turning point in English literary criticism. Let's dissect the evolving approaches: Sir Philip Sidney (Renaissance): Context: The Renaissance was a time of rediscovering classical Greek and Roman thought. Plato, who questioned the value of poetry, loomed large. Defense of Poesie: Sidney's seminal work, "An Apology for Poetry," is a passionate defense against attacks on poetry's morality and usefulness. Mimesis and "Golden World": Sidney argued that poetry isn't a mere imitation (mimesis) of reality, but a creation of a better, more "golden" world. This world instructs and inspires virtue through pleasure and delight. Emphasis on "Utmost Teachings": Poetry, for Sidney, should not only entertain but also offer valuable lessons in ethics, history, and philosophy. Ideal heroes and examples guide the reader's moral compass. Limitations: Sidney's focus on classical models could be seen as restrictive, potentially overlooking the value of originality and innovation. Shifting Landscape (17th & 18th Centuries): Emphasis on National Identity: As England solidified its national identity, critics like Ben Jonson (1572-1637) championed the potential of English literature to rival the established classics. Rise of the "Common Reader": Literary criticism began considering the perspective of the average reader, not just the scholarly elite. The "New Science" and Reason: The Scientific Revolution and Enlightenment ideas of reason and logic influenced critical thought. This challenged the dominance of classical models and emphasized clarity and order in writing. Samuel Johnson (Neoclassicism): Focus on Reason and Universality: Johnson, a towering figure of the Neoclassical period, believed literature should be governed by reason, clarity, and adherence to established forms (e.g., the "Three Unities" in drama). Moral Instruction and Social Commentary: Like Sidney, Johnson valued literature's ability to teach moral lessons and offer social commentary. He believed such lessons should be universally applicable, reflecting core human experiences. Shakespearean Exception: In his landmark "Preface to Shakespeare," Johnson acknowledged Shakespeare's occasional disregard for strict Neoclassical rules. However, he praised Shakespeare's genius in portraying complex characters and evoking powerful emotions. Balance between Rules and Imagination: Johnson advocated for a balance between adherence to form and allowing room for imagination and creativity. Key Differences: Imagination vs. Reason: While Sidney championed the transformative power of poetic imagination, Johnson prioritized the clarity and order of reason. Focus of Moral Lessons: Sidney emphasized the "utmost teachings" of virtue, while Johnson focused on broader social commentary and universal human experiences. Similarities: Moral Purpose: Both saw literature as a tool for moral improvement and uplifting the human spirit. Importance of Craft: Both valued artistic excellence and the technical skill required to create effective and impactful literature. Overall Significance: This period witnessed a transformation in literary criticism. From defending literature's very existence (Sidney) to analyzing its specific qualities and effects (Johnson), the groundwork was laid for future critical movements. Further Exploration: The "Unities" and Neoclassical Drama: Explore how the concept of the "Three Unities" (time, place, and action) influenced dramatic criticism during the Neoclassical period. Rise of Romanticism: Research how the Romantic movement later challenged the dominance of reason and championed emotion, imagination, and individual experience in literature. By understanding the evolution from Sidney to Johnson, we gain a deeper appreciation for the rich tapestry of English literary criticism and its ongoing developments.
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