Sir Philip Sidney on Universality and Antiquity of Poetry: A Study | Original Article

ABSTRACT:

Sidney has proved that by nature poetry imitates and its function is two fold to teach and delight. Sidney‟s view on universality and antiquity of poetry is valid. Through Sidney‟s „ Apology for Poetry‟ we can prove that Wordsworth‟s nature poetry is more delightful and understanding than Rousseau‟s insightful philosophy of „ natural education.‟ Poetry is superior to Philosophy and History – this notion of Sidney is quite serious and philosophical in itself. Sidney showed that pastorals poetry treats evils of tyranny and beauty of simple life , the elegiac moves rather pity than blame , the bitter iambic rubs the galled minds , the comic imitates the common error of our lives and want a great foil to perceive the beauty of virtue.