Question

"Poetry is the ___ of all knowledge."

• A. Root
• B. Image
• C. Breath and finer spirit
• D. Reflection

Answer 1

Answer:

C. Breath and finer spirit

“Poetry is the breath and finer spirit of all knowledge” is a quote by William Wordsworth, an English poet who lived from 1770–1850. Wordsworth believed that poetry is the expression of science and is closer to philosophy than language. 

• Wordsworth believed that poetry is the "breath" of knowledge, giving life to facts and theories. 

• He also believed that poetry is the "finer spirit" of knowledge, delving into the depths of human experience. 

• Wordsworth believed that poetry is the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings. 

• He believed that the root of poetry's pleasure is the same as the alchemy of contrasts that lies at the heart of all art. 

Matthew Arnold used Wordsworth's definition of poetry to introduce his idea that science cannot proceed without poetry's influence.