Background
“An Apology for
Poetry” was written by Sir Philip Sidney and published in 1595. Sidney had
written An Apology for Poetry to defend poetry against the allegations made by
Stephen Gossen. He wanted to present what poetry was because of his genuine
concern for poetry.
Poetry and other branches of knowledge
Firstly, Sidney in his workplaces poetry above both philosophy and history because it teaches virtue and delight and moves men to pursue noble acts. A philosopher teaches precept and abstractions whereas a historian only depicts virtue using incidents of the past. But a poet employs both precept and example.
Secondly, poetry is above moral philosophy because a philosopher though teaches
virtue and vice but is unable to depict that in concrete form but a poet can
depict as well as teach through “speaking pictures” which convey the
meaning and nature of vice and virtue. A poet has the power to move people but
a philosopher cannot.
Thirdly, poetry is above history as a historian deals with
actual and factual information but a poet is more imaginative and philosophical
in his approach. Poetry is universal whereas history in particular in approach.
A poet can depict good qualities in such a manner that it may induce people to
copy them but a historian cannot do that as history deals with actual events
from the past i.e. a historian cannot hide the defects of his characters.
Lastly, poetry is superior to all other branches of knowledge, for instance, philosophy by charm, history by universality, science by the moral end, and law by the encouragement of human rather than civic goodness.
Conclusion
One may say that a philosopher or a historian teaches but their works are
uncertain and depend on mouse-eaten records respectively. Poetry on the other
hand tells, “what is fit to be said or done, either in likelihood or
necessity”. Therefore, it is superior to any other branch of knowledge.
