Philip Sidney, in his essay, writes about the poetry as ‘almost the highest estimation of learning’. What can be inferred from the word ‘almost’?

Correct option is B

Explanation:

In his essay The Defense of Poesy, Philip Sidney praises poetry as being one of the highest forms of learning, and the use of the word "almost" implies that he acknowledges a small possibility for other forms of literature to rival poetry in terms of importance or intellectual merit. This suggests that Sidney sees poetry as the leading literary form but allows for some room for other literary genres to potentially reach a similar status.

He does not regard poetry as the only form of high learning but rather the highest within literature, giving other forms some recognition as potentially equal.


Information Booster:

Defending the fictional realm that poetry creates, Sydney says that the world created by poetry is the epitome of all histories, mythologies, and philosophies. After all, all the classical epics are written in poetic form. Various types of poetic forms like comedy, satire, tragedy, lyric, heroic, and pastoral embody and commemorate a variety of great historical achievements.

Following the seven-part structure of a classical oration, Sidney begins with an exordium, or introduction. He tells an anecdote about horse-riding, noting that, like his riding instructor, he will not dwell so much on the writing of poetry as the contemplation and appreciation of it. Since he has become a poet, he feels obliged to say something to restore the reputation of poetry.

Poetry has gotten a bad name in Elizabethan England, disrespected by many of Sidney’s contemporaries. But, Sidney contends, critics of poetry do not understand what poetry really is: they have been misled by modern poetry, which is frequently bad.

• Sidney believed that poetry was a vehicle for moral instruction, offering more than just entertainment.
• The word “almost” highlights that Sidney doesn't view poetry as infallible or absolutely superior, leaving space for other literary forms to rise to a similar stature.
• Sidney considered epic poetry, drama, and lyric poetry to be among the highest forms of art, often contending with philosophy and history.
• Sidney emphasized the intellectual power of literature to shape the mind and character, with a particular focus on the educational role of poetry.
• While placing poetry at the top, Sidney acknowledged other disciplines like philosophy or history that contribute to moral and intellectual growth.
• Sidney uses “almost” to suggest a subtle concession, recognizing other forms of literature’s potential without undermining the supreme role of poetry in education.