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Rhetoric and Poetry in the Renaissance A Study of Rhetorical Terms in English Renaissance Literary Criticism   By: (1888-1966)

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Rhetoric and Poetry in the Renaissance: A Study of Rhetorical Terms in English Renaissance Literary Criticism, written by Donald Lemen Clark, offers a comprehensive exploration of the relationship between rhetoric and poetry during the Renaissance period. Clark's work is an insightful and meticulously researched study that sheds light on the complex interplay between these two disciplines and their impact on Renaissance literary criticism.

The book is divided into six chapters, each focusing on different aspects of rhetoric and its influence on English poetry. Clark starts by providing a historical overview of rhetoric and its significance in Renaissance society. He goes on to examine various rhetorical terms and devices commonly employed by Renaissance poets, emphasizing their purpose and effect in shaping poetic expression. Through detailed analysis and close readings of literary texts, Clark effectively demonstrates how rhetorical techniques were extensively employed to enhance the beauty and persuasiveness of poetry.

What makes Clark's work commendable is his ability to bridge the gap between Renaissance literary criticism and the study of rhetoric. By drawing on a wide range of primary sources, including treatises, translations, and commentaries, Clark successfully highlights the prominence of rhetorical theory in the works of influential poets and critics of the time. His meticulous examination of the writings of prominent figures such as Thomas Wilson, George Puttenham, and Philip Sidney unveils fascinating insights into the thought processes behind their artistic choices and rhetorical strategies.

Furthermore, Clark's analysis is not limited to the raw study of rhetorical terms and their usage in poetry. He delves into the broader implications of rhetoric in Renaissance culture, exploring its connection to topics such as education, politics, and theology. This interdisciplinary approach enriches the reader's understanding of the significance of rhetoric beyond the realm of poetry. By contextualizing rhetoric within the broader cultural milieu of the Renaissance, Clark effectively portrays its pervasive influence on multiple facets of society.

Although the subject matter may appear daunting to those unfamiliar with Renaissance literature, Clark's lucid writing style and carefully crafted arguments make the book accessible to a wide range of readers. His explanations of complex rhetorical terms and their application in poetry are presented with clarity and precision, ensuring that both scholars and general readers can engage with and appreciate the content.

While the book does not offer a comprehensive analysis of every Renaissance poet or provide an exhaustive exploration of every rhetorical device, it successfully achieves its primary objective of demonstrating the profound impact of rhetoric on English poetry during this period. Clark's judicious selection of examples and his thoughtful commentary make this study a valuable resource for scholars and students of Renaissance literature, rhetoric, and literary criticism.

In conclusion, Rhetoric and Poetry in the Renaissance: A Study of Rhetorical Terms in English Renaissance Literary Criticism by Donald Lemen Clark is a commendable work that enriches our understanding of the intricate relationship between rhetoric and poetry during the Renaissance. Clark's meticulous research, insightful analysis, and engaging writing style make this book a valuable addition to the field of Renaissance studies. Whether one is a seasoned scholar or an aspiring student of literary history, this book offers a comprehensive exploration of a pivotal era in English literature and its connection to the rhetorical traditions of the time.

First Page:

 Rhetoric and Poetry in the Renaissance

A Study of Rhetorical Terms in English Renaissance Literary Criticism

By

Donald Lemen Clark, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of English in Columbia University

1922

To my Father and Mother

Preface

In this essay I undertake to trace the influence of classical rhetoric on the criticisms of poetry published in England between 1553 and 1641. This influence is most readily recognized in the use by English renaissance writers on literary criticism of the terminology of classical rhetoric. But the rhetorical terminology in most cases carried with it rhetorical thinking, traces of whose influence persist in criticism of poetry to the present day.

The essay is divided into two parts. Part First treats of the influence of rhetoric on the general theory of poetry within the period, and Part Second of its influence on the renaissance formulation of the purpose of poetry. This division is called for not by the logic of the material, but by history and convenience. A third phase of the influence of rhetorical terminology I have already touched on in an article on The Requirements of a Poet[1] , where I have shown that historically the renaissance ideal of the nature and education of a poet is in part derived from classical rhetoric... Continue reading book >>




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