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English Literature / Unit 6   ENL 0510 short lesson, about 20 seconds

Sidney's Defence of Poesy

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The idea

Sidney's Defence of Poesy answers attacks on poetry as immoral, especially Plato's banishing of poets. Built on the classical oration, it argues that poetry teaches and delights, giving light through beauty, and that right thought leads to right action. It is the period's major critical work.

In practice

Poetry teaches and delights.

Where people slip

It answers Plato's charge against poets.

Your place on the trail

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