John Dryden and His Important Works

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John Dryden (1631-1700) was an English poet, playwright, and literary critic who made significant contributions to literary criticism. He is considered one of the greatest literary critics of his time, and his works had a lasting impact on the development of literary theory and criticism. He is also known as the Father of Criticism.

John Dryden’s Contributions to Literary Criticism:

  1. Establishment of Classical Standards: Dryden was a strong advocate for classical standards in literature. He believed that literature should be guided by the principles of ancient Greek and Roman writers.
  2. Development of Neoclassicism: Dryden’s emphasis on classical standards helped shape the Neoclassical movement in literature, which emphasized reason, order, and decorum.
  3. Introduction of the Concept of “Wit”: Dryden introduced the concept of “wit” as a key element of literary criticism. He believed that wit was essential for creating clever and engaging writing.
  4. Analysis of Literary Devices: Dryden was one of the first critics to analyze literary devices such as metaphor, simile, and allusion. He showed how these devices could be used to create effective writing.
  5. Evaluation of Literary Works: Dryden developed a systematic approach to evaluating literary works. He considered factors such as plot, character, language, and themes when assessing a work’s merit.
  6. Influence on Later Critics: Dryden’s work influenced later literary critics, including Alexander Pope and Samuel Johnson. His ideas about classical standards, wit, and literary devices became cornerstones of literary criticism.

Notable Works of John Dryden:

  1. An Essay of Dramatic Poesy (1668)
  2. A Discourse Concerning the Original and Progress of Satire (1693)
  3. A Discourse of the Grounds and Reasons of the Christian Religion (1695)

Characters from John Dryden’s “An Essay on Dramatic Poesy”:

  1. Neander (representing Dryden himself):
    • Believes in the importance of naturalness and realism in drama.
    • Argues that English drama is superior to French drama due to its naturalness and ability to evoke emotions.
    • Emphasizes the role of imagination and passion in creating a compelling drama.
  2. Crites (representing the classical perspective):
    • Advocates for the importance of adhering to classical rules and conventions in drama.
    • Believes that drama should be structured around the three unities of time, place, and action.
    • Critiques English drama for its lack of adherence to classical standards.
  3. Lisideius (representing the French perspective):
    • Defends French drama and its emphasis on formal structure and stylized language.
    • Argues that French drama is superior due to its ability to evoke emotions through formal beauty.
    • Critiques English drama for its lack of refinement and elegance.
  4. Eugenius (representing the perspective of a scholar):
    • Provides historical context and scholarly insights on drama and poetry.
    • Discusses the development of drama from ancient Greece to modern England.
    • Offers a balanced perspective on the merits of different dramatic styles.

These characters engage in a dialogue that explores various aspects of drama, poetry, and literature, reflecting the debates and discussions of Dryden’s time.

Important aspects from John Dryden’s work “An Essay on Dramatic Poesy”:

  1. Defense of English Drama: Dryden defends English drama against the criticism that it is inferior to classical Greek and Roman drama.
  2. Three Unities: Dryden discusses the three unities of time, place, and action, and argues that they are essential for creating a coherent and believable drama.
  3. Plot and Character: He emphasizes the importance of a strong plot and well-developed characters in a drama.
  4. Language and Style: Dryden argues that language and style are crucial elements of drama, and that they should be used to create a natural and convincing dialogue.
  5. Imagination and Passion: He stresses the importance of imagination and passion in drama, and argues that they are essential for creating a moving and engaging performance.
  6. Comparison of English and French Drama: Dryden compares English and French drama, and argues that English drama is more natural and realistic, while French drama is more formal and stylized.
  7. Role of the Poet: He discusses the role of the poet in creating a drama, and argues that the poet should be able to create a believable and engaging world on stage.
  8. Critique of Ben Jonson: Dryden critiques the work of Ben Jonson, arguing that his dramas are too formal and stylized, and lack the naturalness and realism of Shakespeare’s plays.
  9. Importance of Audience: He emphasizes the importance of considering the audience when creating a drama, and argues that the poet should strive to please and move the audience.
  10. Relationship between Drama and Reality: Dryden discusses the relationship between drama and reality, and argues that drama should be able to reflect and comment on the world around us.

These aspects showcase Dryden’s thoughts on drama, poetry, and literature, and highlight his contributions to the development of literary criticism and theory.

John Dryden’s thoughts on poetry, drama, and the use of language:

Poetry

  • “Poetry is the art of making people speak in a language that is not their own.”
  • “The best poets are those who have the most imagination, and who can create the most vivid and lasting images.”
  • “Poetry should be natural, and should not force the language to do more than it is capable of.”

Drama

  • “Drama is the art of making people believe that they are seeing and hearing something that is not really there.”
  • “The best dramas are those that have a strong plot, well-developed characters, and language that is natural and convincing.”
  • “Drama should be able to move the audience to laughter, tears, or other emotions.”

Use of Language

  • “Language should be used in a way that is clear, concise, and natural.”
  • “The best language is that which is able to convey complex ideas in a simple and elegant way.”
  • “Language should be used to create vivid images and to evoke emotions in the reader or listener.”

In conclusion, John Dryden’s contributions to literary criticism were significant, and his ideas continue to influence literary theory and criticism to this day. His emphasis on classical standards, wit, and literary devices helped shape the Neoclassical movement, and his systematic approach to evaluating literary works remains a valuable tool for critics.

Read and learn more: Ben Jonson and His Important Works