Analysis of Percy Bysshe Shelley's "A Defence of Poetry": How To Master The Points Of Argument ?

Introduction

The unfinished critical work A Defence of Poetry (written 1821; published 1840) by Percy Bysshe Shelley was originally written, as its title suggests, in a polemic vein, as an answer to Peacock's The Four Ages of Poetry. In its published form, much of the controversial matter was cast out, and only one or two indications remain of its controversial nature. The essay as it stands is among the most eloquent expositions that exist of the ideal nature and essential value of poetry. Its chief distinction lies in the sincerity and enthusiasm of the author.

The Points of Argument

A Defence of Poetry is based on one of those fundamental distinctions here that between reason and imagination which Coleridge so frequently expounded, and which here serves as a point of departure. Sidney in his Defense of Poesy  defended the poetic imagination. Shelley too in his A Defence of Poetry argues that poetry is the highest form of human expression, and it is vital for the development of human civilization. Shelley argues that poetry is not merely a form of entertainment or leisure but rather a necessary tool for social and cultural progress. Percy Bysshe Shelley's "A Defence of Poetry" and Sir Philip Sidney's "The Defence of Poesy" both argue for the importance of poetry, but they differ in their approaches. Shelley's "Defence" focuses on the transformative power of poetry, its ability to inspire empathy and compassion, and its role in society's development. Sidney's "Defence" argues that poetry is a moral and educational force, capable of teaching virtues and encouraging virtuous behavior. Both texts see poetry as a powerful tool for change and argue that it is essential for the health of society and culture. Here are many underlying themes of Sidney's "Defence" :

(1) The nature of poetry

Unlike historians or philosophers, argued Sidney in his Defense of Poesy, a poet affirms nothing and therefore never lies, because a poet’s works are “not affirmatively but allegorically and figuratively written.” Percy Bysshe Shelley too argues that poetry is essential for the cultivation of imagination and empathy in society, and that it is capable of inspiring social and political change. He also argues that poetry, unlike other forms of language, has the power to express the ineffable and to transcend ordinary experience.

(2) Poetical expression

Far from imitating imperfect nature, the poet creates an ideal world of the imagination where virtuous heroes invite admiring readers to imitate them. argues that poetry is essential to humanity's progress and understanding. He claims that poetry is the highest form of language because it expresses universal truths and emotions that cannot be conveyed through prose. Shelley also believes that poets are the unacknowledged legislators of the world, shaping society's values and beliefs through their work. His poetic expression is passionate and insightful, challenging readers to rethink their understanding of art and its importance.

(3) The effect of poetry upon mankind

According to Sidney, philosophers outshine poets when it comes to abstract teaching, but the power to move or motivate makes the poet ultimately superior because, for teaching to be effective, we need first “to be moved with desire to know” and then “to be moved to do that which we know.” Shelley too argues that poetry has the power to inspire and elevate the human spirit, and it can connect us to the universal truth that lies beyond the material world. He believes that poetry can bring about social change by promoting compassion, empathy, and understanding among people. 

Shelley further asserts that poetry is essential for the development of the imagination and the expansion of human consciousness. He claims that poetry can help us to understand and appreciate the beauty of nature, and it can also awaken us to new ideas and perspectives. Shelley argues that poetry has the power to inspire and elevate the human spirit, and it can connect us to the universal truth that lies beyond the material world. He believes that poetry can bring about social change by promoting compassion, empathy, and understanding among people. Shelley opines that poetry is essential for the development of the imagination and the expansion of human consciousness. He claims that poetry can help us to understand and appreciate the beauty of nature, and it can also awaken us to new ideas and perspectives.

The Questions

The critical question at issue in the above discussion is a very fundamental one, and is practically the same as that which has been debated for many years between two opposed schools of ethics and philosophy, the intuitional and the utilitarian, and is today rife betwixt rationalists and pragmatists.

 List of Arguments:

1. Shelley's criterion for the determining good and bad poetry.
2. Shelley's terms: "reason," "imagination," "taste," "the indestructible order," "universal," "wit and humour," "a story," "utility,” “a single condition of epic truth," "the poet," "poetry" etc.
3. Shelley's reasons for the superiority of poetry.
4. Shelley's view of the idea and value of poetry.
5.  Shelley's criterion for the determining good and bad poetry.

Repeat Key Points

In "A Defence of Poetry," Percy Bysshe Shelley argues that:

👉Poetry is the highest form of expression and has the power to inspire and transform society.

👉Poetry is the language of the imagination and allows us to see beyond the material world.

👉Poetry brings us closer to the divine and helps us understand the mysteries of the universe.

👉Poetry encourages empathy and compassion, and helps us understand the perspectives of others.

👉Poetry is essential to the development of a healthy society and a vibrant culture.

👉Poetry is not just entertainment, but a vital tool for social and political change.

 Famous Quotes

“Poetry is the record of the best and happiest moments of the happiest and best minds.”

“Poets are...the trumpets which sing to battle and feel not what they inspire...Poets are the unacknowledged legislators of the world.”

“The rich have become richer, and the poor have become poorer; and the vessel of the state is driven between the Scylla and Charybdis of anarchy and despotism.”

A Defence of Poetry

 Ardhendu De  

Ref: 

1. Vail, J. (2005, September). The Complete Poetry of Percy Bysshe Shelley, Volume II. Edited by Percy Bysshe Shelley, Donald H. Reiman, and Neil Fraistat. The Wordsworth Circle, 36(4), 194–195. https://doi.org/10.1086/twc24044274

2. Clemit, P. (1996, June 1). Review: Percy Bysshe Shelley. The prose works of Percy Bysshe Shelley, vol. I, ed. EB Murray. Notes and Queries, 43(2), 223–234. https://doi.org/10.1093/nq/43.2.223

3. THODY, P. M. W. (1990, July 1). Review. Gyorgy Lukacs and the Literary Pretext. Corredor, Eva L. French Studies, 44(3), 370–370. https://doi.org/10.1093/fs/44.3.370-a