Rhetoric and Poetry in the Renaissance: A Study of Rhetorical Terms in English Renaissance Literary Criticism

"Rhetoric and Poetry in the Renaissance" by Donald Lemen Clark is a scholarly study of literary criticism and its development during the English Renaissance, likely written in the early 20th century. The book examines the influence of classical rhetoric on the understanding of poetry, particularly from the mid-16th to the early 17th century, emphasizing the terminology and theoretical frameworks employed by critics of the time. The opening portion presents a well-structured introduction to the study, outlining the author's aim to explore how classical rhetorical terms and ideas shaped English criticism of poetry. Clark plans to divide his exploration into two main parts: the general theory of rhetoric and poetry, and the purposes of poetry as understood during the Renaissance. He highlights the historical context, indicating that English critics borrowed from both classical and medieval traditions, and emphasizes the importance of rhetorical thinking that persisted throughout that period. The section also acknowledges the contributions of previous scholars while asserting the necessity to address the influences on English criticism that have been overlooked, particularly the profound impact of medieval rhetorical traditions.