The Defence of Poesy

Sidney was a humanist scholar, writing for a humanist audience. How does he relate and appeal to his intended audience?

The ultimate purpose of poetry, according to this work, is to teach, delight, and move. How does poetry do this, and why is it uniquely suited to this goal?

What does the idea of “virtue” entail for Sidney? Why is the teaching of virtue important for him and his audience?

Although this work is an earnest rebuttal to poetry’s critics, Sidney peppers it with humor and self-deprecation. What does he accomplish by doing so?

Sidney embraces the Latin word vates and its relevance to the poet. What does vates mean, and what are its connotations when applied to poets?

The word “poet” comes from the Greek verb poiein, “to make.” How does Sidney use this etymology to support his defense of poetry?

Although it was one of the earliest such works in English, The Defence of Poesy contains many references and allusions to earlier literary theorists. How does Sidney situate himself within the ancient and contemporary context of literary criticism?

One of Sidney’s challenges is to address the fact that Plato banished poets from his ideal state in the Republic. How does Sidney spin Plato’s argument in favor of poetry? Why is it particularly important for Sidney to address this?