What value or function did Philip Sidney ascribe to poetry in his Defense of Poesy ?
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Answer: C. a moral power whereby poetry encourages the reader to emulate virtuous models
Explanation
Sir Philip Sidney argued that poetry inspires virtue by presenting ideal role models. Moral philosophy is made palatable and effective through imaginative storytelling. Literature possesses the unique power to move readers toward righteous action. Sir Philip Sidney wrote The Defense of Poesy during the English Renaissance. Humanist critics defended literature against puritanical accusations of falsehood. Poetry was viewed as an instructional tool combining delight with instruction.
Educational philosophy has long debated the moral utility of creative arts. Literature often serves to cultivate empathy and ethical decision making. Renaissance writers felt compelled to justify fiction through civic virtue. Option A characterizes poetry as a trick rather than a noble moral teacher. Option B attributes divine revelation rather than crafted moral persuasion. Option D focuses defensively on censorship avoidance rather than moral elevation.
- Subject
- English
- Category
- English Literature
- Topic
- —
- Difficulty
- medium
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