In the long essay “A Defense of Poetry,” Sir Philip Sidney responds to the Puritan movement's attempts to suppress poets and their works by qualifying poetry as the roots of culture and intelligence. Sidney uses mythical allusions and historical references to various cultures in order to create an overarching argument promoting the continued development of poetry in society, as well as defending its current and past existence. Sidney's work is considered some of the most critical and influential literary criticism of his era. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why violent video games should not be banned”? Get the original essay The Puritan movement lasted between the 16th and 17th centuries and was characterized by the desire to cleanse the Church of the corruption of the clergy Catholic. At this time in history, the Church was a largely influential part of government, and much of this corruption came from the intertwining of the two. Additionally, the Catholic Church had begun selling items known as Indulgences, which were relics bought and sold by the Church in order to forgive one's sins, or even to forgive future sins at a higher price . The Church's invented rituals, which were not in the Bible, outraged many people who believed in the crude interpretation of the Bible, especially with the increase in literacy rates which allowed more people to read the Bible for themselves, instead of being told what was written by a priest or other esteemed member of the Catholic Church. One result of this outrage was the formation of the Puritan movement. The Puritans had extremely strict views on people's actions and works and their adherence to the Bible. Poets and playwrights were particularly criticized by the Puritans, who said that such creation of fiction would only lead to moral corruption and increased materialism, both of which they considered detrimental to the progress of society. In order to refute the attacks of the Puritan writers, Sidney composed "A Defense of Poetry." He argues that poetry actually brings moral good to society. He continues to refer to poetry as a tool for exercising and developing the imagination. Imagination, he believes, is the source of man's sympathy, compassion and love. He goes on to say that there are three different types of poetry: religious poetry, philosophical poetry, and poetry functioning as an imaginative treatment of life and nature. He asserts that even in the most primitive societies, such as the American Indians, poets have always existed and been respected. Poetry has been used to preserve the memory of historical events, cultural values, ideas and wisdom since its creation. He writes that poets are superior to ordinary historians and philosophers, because of their ability to convey history and ideas in an imaginative and creative way that appeals to the human condition. It can present factual information in a way that people can understand. Sidney states that the philosopher teaches “in such a way that only learned people can understand him” (955). Poetry is also different from history and philosophy in its ability to move and incite virtuous action. Sidney goes on to mention that many great philosophers, whose ideas are highly held and generally respected in this era, were in fact poets. Plato is one of the most outstanding examples of a great philosopher and poet. A fact.