Causes of the Rise of Critical Activity in Renaissance England In the last quarter of the 16th century, the need for a proper understanding of the nature and function of poetry was widely felt.Various causes contributed to this need: First, much confusion prevailed regarding the true nature of poetry.There was the medieval view which regarded poetry as a mere 'toy', a mere playing, or at best, 'versified Rhetoric', rather than serious art by itself.Second, the new courtly circles under the patronage of Queen Elizabeth had a high sense of the virtue of poetry, though they were not articulate.The best in the Puritans attacks is represented by Stephen Gosson's School of Abuse, and the best of the replies is Sidney's Apology for Poetry.Fourth, the hostility of the Puritans posed a challenge to the status and value of Poetry, and the result was replies and counter-replies.Serious efforts were, for the first time, made to explain, discuss and expound the nature of poetry.The outburst of poetry in this period called for a theory of poetry.