The title of "Father of English Criticism" is often attributed to Sir Philip Sidney, a prominent English poet, soldier, and courtier during the Elizabethan era.
Sidney's influential work, The Defence of Poesy, published posthumously in 1595, laid the foundation for English literary criticism. This treatise offers a comprehensive defense of poetry and its role in society, arguing for its moral and intellectual value.
Sidney's work addressed key concepts of literary criticism, including:
* **The nature of poetry:** Sidney argues that poetry is not mere entertainment but a powerful tool for moral instruction and intellectual stimulation.
* **The purpose of literature:** He emphasizes the role of literature in shaping character and promoting virtue.
* **The relationship between art and life:** Sidney explores the connection between poetic imagination and real-world experience.Sidney's Defence of Poesy is considered a landmark text in English literary criticism, setting the stage for future critical analysis and debate. It established a framework for understanding the role and significance of literature, influencing generations of writers and critics.
While Sidney is widely recognized as the father of English criticism, it's important to acknowledge the contributions of other influential figures in the development of English literary criticism, such as Aristotle, Horace, and Longinus, whose works provided foundational principles and theories.
