The quote "Nothing can please many, and please long, but just representations of general nature" is attributed to Samuel Johnson. This statement reflects his belief that literature and art must depict universal truths and common human experiences to have lasting and widespread appeal.
Here’s a brief explanation for each of the options provided:
Philip Sidney: He was a Renaissance poet and critic known for works like "The Defence of Poesy." While Sidney also discussed the purpose and value of literature, this specific quote is not attributed to him.
Samuel Johnson: He was an 18th-century writer, critic, and lexicographer, renowned for his works such as "A Dictionary of the English Language" and his critical essays. The quote in question comes from his critical perspective on literature, emphasizing the importance of universality in literary works.
S.T. Coleridge: A Romantic poet and critic, Coleridge is known for his works like "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" and his contributions to literary theory, particularly in "Biographia Literaria." Although he wrote extensively about literature and imagination, this particular quote does not originate from him.
William Wordsworth: Also a key figure in the Romantic movement, Wordsworth is known for his poetry that focuses on nature and human emotion. While his views on poetry often emphasized the importance of nature and personal experience, he did not make the statement in question.
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