What can be inferred from the following lines from Sidney’s?

"Poetry therefore is an art of imitation, for so Aristotle termeth it in his word mimesis, that is to say, a representing, counterfeiting, or figuring forth – to speak metaphorically, a speaking picture – with this end, to teach and delight."

Correct option is A

Explanation:

In this passage from Philip Sidney's The Defense of Poesy, Sidney elaborates on Aristotle’s concept of mimesis (imitation), which refers to the idea that poetry imitates or represents reality. Sidney extends this concept beyond a mere representation of appearances, as Aristotle originally defined it, and applies it to a broader scope that includes imitation of universal truths and human experience.

Sidney's view of mimesis is expansive and not limited to mimicking physical appearances or the surface-level reality. Instead, he envisions poetry as a form that imitates deeper universal concepts—emotions, ideas, and philosophical truths—allowing poetry to teach moral lessons and delight the audience. This broader interpretation of mimesis shows that Sidney is willing to stretch the original idea to encompass more than just a “speaking picture” and gives poetry a didactic and emotional role. Thus, Option 1 best reflects this expansion of the idea of mimesis in Sidney's writing.

Information Booster:

- Sidney adopts and expands upon Aristotle’s notion of mimesis. While Aristotle referred to mimesis as imitation of physical reality or actions in the world (the idea of poetry as a mirror of nature), Sidney sees poetry as an art form that goes beyond mere representation. Sidney suggests that poetry should not only imitate appearances but also imitate deeper moral truths and universal concepts that engage both the mind and the soul. This makes poetry not just a reflection of the world but a medium for conveying moral and philosophical lessons.

- Sidney emphasizes that poetry is not only about representation (imitating external reality) but also about teaching through imitation. Poetry can convey universal principles and evoke emotions, offering a moral lesson and a means for people to learn and grow. In other words, poetry has a role as a teacher, not just an entertainer.

- Sidney’s view of mimesis is broader than Aristotle’s. Aristotle’s mimesis largely deals with the imitation of things as they are—he focuses on what is actual. Sidney, however, goes further to suggest that poetry can imitate the universal, or the ideal, which can include moral values, emotional states, and philosophical concepts. This allows poetry to go beyond just reflecting the external world and allows poets to create idealized representations that teach and inspire.

- Sidney was influenced by classical philosophers like Aristotle, but he adapted their ideas to his own literary philosophy. He saw Aristotelian mimesis as a powerful tool in the hands of poets, and he believed that poetry’s potential could extend far beyond mere entertainment or artifice. Through his broader concept of mimesis, poetry can inspire, teach, and uplift the human soul.

- Sidney also stresses that poetry should both teach and delight. This dual role—teaching moral truths while delighting the reader—makes poetry a unique form of art. Unlike history or philosophy, which are primarily focused on instruction, poetry has the ability to engage readers emotionally while still offering important lessons and insights. This balance between pleasure and instruction is central to Sidney’s defense of poetry.