A Defence of Poetry by P.B Shelley Detailed summary and analysis

 

Thomas Love Peacock published an article entitled "The Four Ages of Poetry," In 1820.  He divided the history of English poetry into four historical categories such as the "iron age" of primitive sentimentality but little technical skill; a "golden age," which included Shakespeare and the technical prowess with the vitality of the iron age; a "silver age" of derivative but decent poetry; and a "bronze age" or "second childhood of poetry" comprised of the Romantic poets, who secluded themselves from real-world concerns, looked backward in time, and rejected rationalism. Peacock argued that as societies advanced, they necessarily favored reason over poetry and that as a consequence modern poets were inferior.

“POETRY, like the world, may be said to have four ages, but in a different order: the first age of poetry being the age of iron; the second, of gold; the third, of silver; and the fourth, of brass.

The Iron Age of poetry would be that of a pre-literate society, in which rude bards celebrate in rough numbers the exploits of ruder chiefs. It's all about how many enemies have been slaughtered and how many cows stolen.  But soon this poetry develops into a Golden Age: from Homer down to Euripides, poetry has attained perfection and seeks out new forms.  

As these are exhausted, so begins the Silver Age, "or the poetry of civilized life. ... The imitative consists in recasting, and giving an exquisite polish to, the poetry of the age of gold: of this Virgil is the most obvious and striking example. The original is chiefly comic, didactic, or satiric: as in Menander, Aristophanes, Horace, and Juvenal. The poetry of this age is characterized by an exquisite and fastidious selection of words, and a laboured and somewhat monotonous harmony of expression..."  As reason progresses, however, so poetry regresses and loses originality.  A Brass Age starts.

Likewise, Thomas Love Peacock blatantly attacked the romantic temperament by saying that “as societies advanced, they necessarily favoured reason over poetry and that as a consequence modern poets were inferior”. Shelley was not ready to accept these arguments and reacted against his views in the essay "A Defense of Poetry."

In this essay, Shelley argues that there are two modes of human thinking about the world: reason and imagination. He defines a poet who possesses an abundance of imagination and an ability to make connections that are beyond the reach of rationality. He claims imagination has the greater value. Shelley believes it is human nature to draw parallels and find harmonies in the world and that this connection of unconnected things is at the heart of all art and exists in its purest form as poetry. Shelly defines poetry as "the expression of imagination". In this sense, all manifestation of the creative imagination is poetry itself. Poets are not only the authors of language but also the institutors of laws, organizers of civil societies, founders of religions, and inventors of the arts of life. According to Shelly poetry is superior to other forms of art. Poetry awakens and strengthens the imagination and enhances the moral force of love. Shelley argues that reason alone, without a poetic imagination can never make any ripples or impact in life.

In fact, poetry is a powerful force that shapes and elevates human thought. Shelley asserts that that poetry is the product of imagination, a faculty that unites the sensual and intellectual aspects of human experience. He argues that poets are the "unacknowledged legislators of the world," implying their influential role in shaping social values.

Shelley also delves into the distinction between reason and imagination, with the latter being the creative force that surpasses the boundaries of logic. He suggests that poetry provides a profound understanding of the human experience, expressing universal truths that transcend time and culture. Undoubtedly Poetry has the ability to inspire and spread virtue in human souls.

"Poets are the unacknowledged legislators of the world": it emphasizes Shelley's belief in the profound impact poets have on society. He argues that poets shape and influence human thought, morality, and culture. In fact their contribution towards the society is immense.

"Poetry... a mirror which makes beautiful that which is distorted": Shelley states that poetry serves as a reflective medium, correcting the flaws in life and it suggest different methods to overcome the struggles. It has the power to transform and beautify the world by presenting an idealized vision.

"A man, to be greatly good, must imagine intensely and comprehensively; he must put himself in the place of another and of many others; the pains and pleasures of his species must become his own": Shelley underscores the importance of imagination in moral development. To be morally excellent, one must empathize deeply, imagining the experiences and perspectives of others, a capacity that he attributes to the poetic imagination.

 

"Poetry is the record of the best and happiest moments of the happiest and best minds" it suggests that poetry serves as a documentation or record of the most elevated and joyful experiences of individuals with exceptional minds. Shelley asserts that poetry acts as a medium for preserving and capturing significant moments and emotions. It is a written or artistic record that immortalizes certain experiences. The content of poetry, according to Shelley, reflects the finest and most joyous instances in the lives of individuals. It focuses on the positive, uplifting, and sublime aspects of human existence. Poetry reflects the beauty, happiness, and excellence found in the minds of those who are particularly attuned to the finer aspects of life.

Hence following points are the central arguments in the essay

Imagination as a Creative Force: Shelley prefers imagination over reason and places a significant emphasis on the power of the imagination. He argues that the poetic imagination is not a mere flight of fancy but a force that harmonizes and transcends the boundaries between the material and spiritual worlds. This emphasis on imagination aligns with the Romantic movement's celebration of creativity and emotional expression.

Poets as Unacknowledged Legislators (asserting the social role): The famous line "Poets are the unacknowledged legislators of the world" encapsulates Shelley's belief in the social impact of poetry. He sees poets as visionaries who shape public opinion, challenge conventions, and contribute to the moral and intellectual progress of humanity. This perspective elevates the role of the poet to a position of cultural influencer.

Idealism and Poetry: Shelley defends poetry  asserting its idealistic nature. He argues that poetry, far from reality, has the ability to present an idealized vision that inspires positive change. In this way, poetry becomes a mirror that reflects and enhances the beauty of the world.

Moral Power of Poetry: Shelley contends that poetry has a profound moral influence on society. He sees the cultivation of love and empathy through poetic expression as essential for human progress. The emphasis on the moral potential of poetry reflects Shelley's belief in the transformative power of art to shape ethical values and foster a more compassionate society.

 

Poetry vs. Science: Shelley engages in a critique of the scientific mindset of his time. He argues for the complementary relationship between poetry and science, with poetry providing a broader, holistic understanding of human experience that science alone cannot offer.