ATTITUDES TO POETRY IN THE ANTIQUITY AND TO DRAMATIC POETRY IN RENAISSANCE ENGLAND

Abstract

This paper offers an outline on how poetry was perceived in Antiquity, how it
was opposed to philosophy and what was its impact on the emotions. In addition, this paper will
outline the major attitudes to poetry in Renaissance England. The main opposition to poetry in
Renaissance England arose due to its incompatibility with Christian doctrine and precepts. Again, one
of the main reasons for disparaging poetry is due to the fact that it appeals to and emphasizes certain
emotions which, according to Christianity, are to be avoided due to their insidious and unholy nature.
In addition, the paper looks at how Shakespeare might have looked at the notion of the poet by
reiterating the ancient adage that Poetry is a sort of “divine madness”. The paper ends with William
Wordsworth`s view on Poetry and his advice on how Poetry might be beneficial, instead of
detrimental, for the readers and for the audience.