A Defence of Poetry · English Literature

In comparing poetry to other human endeavors, what does Shelley mean when he asserts that poetry is 'the center and circumference of all knowledge'?

Poetry contains a literal dictionary definition of every word in existence
All knowledge springs from creative imagination and needs it to have human value
Poetry is the only subject that should be taught in schools and universities
Poetry has circular logic and can never arrive at any real conclusion

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Correct answer: All knowledge springs from creative imagination and needs it to have human value

Shelley views poetry as the supreme, all-encompassing force that binds human knowledge together. It is the center because it represents the raw, creative impulse from which all sciences, philosophies, and arts spring. It is the circumference because it wraps around all these disciplines, breathing life and moral significance into dry facts, ensuring they serve humanity.

Difficulty: Medium Question 14 of 14

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In comparing poetry to other human endeavors, what does Shelley mean when he asserts that poetry is 'the center and circumference of all knowledge'?

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