Sir Philip Sidney: The First English Critic

Sir Philip Sidney (1554–1586) was a key figure of the English Renaissance, known for his contributions to literature, politics, and military service. As a courtier, diplomat, soldier, and poet, he embodied the Renaissance ideal of the "perfect gentleman." His literary reputation was immense, with poets like Edmund Spenser dedicating The Shepherd’s Calendar to him and Ben Jonson praising him as the man "in whom all the Muses met."

Sidney is often regarded as the first English literary critic due to his pioneering work An Apology for Poetry (also known as The Defence of Poesy). This essay is one of the earliest and most influential works of English literary criticism, where he defends poetry against its critics and highlights its moral and imaginative power. Alongside his critical work, Sidney made significant contributions to literature with Astrophel and Stella, a famous sonnet sequence, and The Arcadia, a prose romance.

Sidney’s Role in the Development of English Literary Criticism:

Sidney’s contribution to literary criticism emerged at a crucial moment in English literary history. Before his time, English literature was still developing, and there was no substantial critical tradition. Compared to European nations like Italy and France, England lacked a refined literary culture. Sidney’s work, An Apology for Poetry (also known as The Defence of Poesie), addressed this gap by formulating a comprehensive defense of poetry and its artistic and moral significance. His ideas were influenced by Renaissance thought, particularly Italian and classical sources like Aristotle, Horace, and Plato.

Context and Purpose of An Apology for Poetry:

An Apology for Poetry was written in response to Stephen Gosson’s attack on poetry in School of Abuse (1579), which condemned literature as morally corrupt. While Sidney does not directly address Gosson, his treatise serves as a general defense of poetry against such criticisms. His work systematically argues for the moral and intellectual value of poetry, making it the first complete English literary criticism text. Sidney structures his argument in a rhetorical format, following classical oratorical methods that include narration, proposition, proof, and refutation.

Key Arguments in An Apology for Poetry:

Sidney’s defense of poetry is based on several key principles:

1. Poetry as the Highest Form of Knowledge – He argues that poetry surpasses history and philosophy in its ability to teach and inspire. Unlike history, which is bound by facts, and philosophy, which is abstract, poetry combines both, making knowledge accessible and emotionally compelling.

2. The Poet as a Creator – He elevates the poet as a "second creator" who, unlike historians and scientists, is not limited by reality but can imagine and improve upon it. This aligns with the Renaissance idea of human creativity as divine.

3. Poetry’s Moral Purpose – He refutes the charge that poetry is immoral, asserting that only its misuse can be harmful. True poetry, he argues, cultivates virtue and moral wisdom.

4. Classification of Poetry – Sidney categorizes poetry into different genres, including pastoral, elegiac, comic, tragic, and heroic, and defends each against common criticisms.

5. Critique of Contemporary English Literature – He criticizes the poor quality of English drama, especially Gorboduc, for its failure to follow the dramatic unities. He advocates for structured and disciplined poetic expression.

Influence of Classical and Renaissance Thinkers on Sidney:

Sidney’s ideas were shaped by various intellectual traditions. From Aristotle, he adopted the concept of mimesis (imitation), defining poetry as a "speaking picture" that teaches and delights. From Horace, he inherited the belief that poetry should combine moral instruction with aesthetic pleasure. Renaissance critics like Minturno and Scaliger influenced his views on poetry’s role in shaping national identity and moral values.

Sidney’s Contribution to Literary Theory and Criticism:

Sidney is regarded as the first English critic to systematically articulate literary principles. His work laid the foundation for later critics by emphasizing:

• The ethical function of literature.

• The role of imagination in artistic creation.

• The need for poetic discipline and adherence to classical principles.

He also played a crucial role in shaping English drama by advocating for the classical unities of time, place, and action. While he criticized contemporary playwrights, his ideas contributed to the refinement of English drama, influencing later dramatists like Ben Jonson.

Lasting Impact of Apology:

Sidney’s Apology remains one of the most influential works in English literary criticism. It represents the Renaissance ideal of literature as a means of cultural and intellectual refinement. His emphasis on poetry’s ability to "teach and delight" continued to resonate in later literary theories, from Milton’s Of Education to Shelley’s A Defence of Poetry. His work marked a shift from rhetorical and formalist criticism to a more philosophical inquiry into the nature and purpose of literature.

Conclusion:

Sidney’s significance as a critic lies in his ability to synthesize classical, Renaissance, and moral perspectives into a coherent defense of poetry. His work provided a framework for evaluating literature in ethical, aesthetic, and intellectual terms. While An Apology for Poetry may not be entirely original, its clarity, structure, and passionate advocacy for poetry make it a landmark in English criticism. As Atkins notes, Sidney’s work remains an enduring legacy, celebrated for its "idealism, sanity, humor, and grace."