Comment On J.S. Mill's concept of poetry as described in "What is Poetry"?

 

"What is Poetry" - J.S. Mill.

John Stuart Mill was an English philosopher, political economist, politician, and civil servant. One of the most influential thinkers in the history of classical liberalism, he contributed widely to social theory, political theory, and political economy. 

Stuart Mill's essay "What is Poetry?" presents a nuanced and complex view of poetry, emphasizing its role in promoting moral behavior and social reform. Mill sees poetry not only as an art form that should be aesthetically pleasing but also as a didactic tool that should serve a higher moral purpose.

Mill argues that the value of poetry should be measured not only by its beauty but also by its usefulness. To him, Poetry is not a "matter of fact or science." Poetry's purpose is to "act upon the emotions." 

According to Mill, poetry should aim to "inflame with the love of human happiness" and "keep alive the sense of moral beauty" in its readers. He believes that poetry can serve as a powerful tool for social reform and that it can inspire people to strive for a better world.

He believes that poetry should be accessible to all people and written in a language that is easily understood. This view is in contrast to the elitist perspective that prevailed in Mill's time, which saw poetry as the preserve of a cultured and educated elite. Mill insists that poetry should not be the exclusive province of the educated few, but should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their social status or level of education.

Furthermore, Mill sees poetry as a powerful means of social reform. He believes that poetry has the power to inspire people to strive for a better world, to promote virtuous behavior, and to help people cultivate a sense of moral beauty. Poetry can, therefore, be a means of promoting social justice and social progress. Mill claims, "the minds and hearts of greatest depth and elevation are commonly those which delight in poetry."

Mill also recognizes that not all poetry is equally valuable in this regard. He distinguishes between lyric poetry, which is more concerned with personal emotions, and epic poetry, which tells the story of great deeds and heroic characters. Mill believes that epic poetry can be particularly effective in promoting virtuous behavior and inspiring readers to strive for excellence. As Mill says, "Eloquence is heard; poetry is overheard."

Overall, Mill's concept of poetry reflects his belief in the power of art to shape society and promote moral values. He argues that poetry should be both beautiful and useful and that it should be accessible to all people. While his ideas may not be universally accepted, his essay provides a thought-provoking perspective on the role of poetry in society.

Prepared by: Ikrar Chowdhury.