The Art of English Poesy - Book I - Of Poets and Poesy

Sep 20, 2026

Uploaded by Quinn

An analysis summary of George Puttenham’s 1589 treatise The Art of English Poesy, outlining its three-part structure and focusing first on Book I and then subsequent material. Book I explains the origins of poetry, presenting it as essential human expression with a dual role: delight and instruction. It frames poets as “makers” crafting works with social authority and moral purpose. It also treats poetry as a divine, noble art, connecting it to classical precedent and emphasizing its moral and spiritual power.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryLiterature

FormatPDF

Pages9

Reading Time14 min

AccessFree to download

Book I: Of Poets and Poesy

Origin, Purpose, and Nature of Poetry

The Role "Makers" of Poets

Poetry as a Divine and Noble Art

Kinds of Poetry and Their Functions

Book II: Of Proportion

| | THE ART OF ENGLISH POESY BY GEORGE PUTTENHAM The Art of English Poesy by George Puttenham, published in 1589, is a seminal work on the theory and practice of poetry. It is considered one of the earliest critical texts in English and provides valuable insights into Elizabethan literary thought. The book is divided into three main sections: 1. BOOK I: OF POETS AND POESY | ORIGIN, PURPOSE, AND NATURE OF POETRY
In Book I:Puttenham delves into the origins of poetry, viewing it as one of the earliest and most essential forms of human expression. He argues that poetry originated in the need to articulate profound truths and emotions, often through rhythmic and harmonious language that appeals to both the intellect and the senses. Poetry, according to Puttenham, has always served a dual purpose: to delight and to instruct. The delight comes from its aesthetic qualities, while the instruction lies in its ability to convey moral, philosophical, and practical wisdom. He situates poetry as a universal art form with the power to influence human thought and behavior positively.
The Role"Makers" of Poets as
Puttenham emphasizes that poets are not mere writers; they are "makers," a term derived from the Greek word poiein, meaning "to make." Poets craft their works with skill and creativity, much like artisans | | --- | --- | --- | | | creating works of art. This craftsmanship elevates the poet to a position of respect and authority in society. Their work serves as a medium to entertain, inspire, and educate the public. Puttenham insists that poets play a pivotal role in shaping cultural values, preserving historical memory, and instilling moral lessons. By combining beauty and utility, poets fulfill a divine purpose, acting as instruments of higher wisdom. Poetry as a Divine and Noble Art
Puttenham underscores the nobility and divinity of poetry, tracing its roots to ancient civilizations such as Greece and Rome. He references classical poets like Homer and Virgil as paragons of the art, whose works embody the highest ideals of humanity. For Puttenham, poetry is not just a human endeavor but a gift from the gods, meant to bridge the earthly and the divine. He argues that poetry has a moral and spiritual dimension, capable of elevating the human soul and promoting virtuous living. This | reverence for poetry as a noble pursuit aligns with Renaissance ideals of art as a means to attain higher truths.
Kinds of Poetry and Their Functions
Puttenham categorizes poetry into different types, including lyric, epic, and dramatic forms, each serving distinct purposes. Lyric poetry is associated with personal emotion and musicality, often used to celebrate love, nature, or personal reflection. Epic poetry, with its grand scale and heroic themes, is designed to inspire awe and commemorate great deeds, serving as a record of history and legend.
Dramatic poetry, performed onstage, combines narrative and dialogue to explore human conflicts and emotions, often with a moral undertone. By examining these forms, Puttenham highlights the versatility of poetry in addressing various aspects of human experience, from individual sentiment to communal values. | | --- | --- | --- | | | 2. Book II: Of Proportion Technical Aspects of Poetry: Meter, Rhyme, and Rhythm
In Book II: Of Proportion, Puttenham focuses on the technical foundations of poetry, emphasizing the importance of meter, rhyme, and rhythm. He defines meter as the structured pattern of syllables and stresses that give poetry its musical quality. Meter, he argues, is essential to creating a sense of order and harmony in a poem, distinguishing poetry from prose. Rhyme, the repetition of similar sounds at the ends of lines, is highlighted as a tool for enhancing the poem’s auditory appeal and aiding memorability. Rhythm, the flow of words and phrases, provides poetry with a | dynamic quality that mirrors the natural cadences of speech while maintaining artistic refinement. Putte

FAQs

What does Puttenham say is the origin and nature of poetry?

He presents poetry as one of the earliest and most essential forms of human expression, arising from the need to articulate profound truths and emotions. Poetry is characterized by rhythmic, harmonious language and serves both delight and instruction.

What does Puttenham mean by poets being "makers"?

He treats poets as “makers,” meaning they craft their works skillfully and creatively like artisans. This craftsmanship grants poets respect and authority, and their work entertains, inspires, and educates the public.

How does Puttenham describe the technical foundations of poetry in Book II?

He emphasizes meter, rhyme, and rhythm as core elements. Meter provides structured musical order, rhyme enhances auditory appeal and memorability, and rhythm gives poems a dynamic flow that mirrors speech while remaining refined.

Sep 20, 2026

Uploaded by Quinn