Dryden's Essay on Dramatic Poesy

This blog is a response to a task assigned by Dilip Barad sir(Department of English, MKBU)click here for more information. In this blog two questions are discussed related to the Dryden's Essay on Dramatic Poesy.

Q:1: Do you find any difference between Aristotle's definition of tragedy and Dryden's definition of play?

Aristotle's definition of tragedy and Dryden's definition of a play represent two distinct perspectives on dramatic literature:

1. Aristotle's Definition of Tragedy:

   - Aristotle, in his work "Poetics," defined tragedy as a form of drama that arouses emotions of pity and fear in the audience, leading to a catharsis or purging of these emotions.

   - According to Aristotle, a tragedy typically involves a protagonist (the tragic hero) who experiences a reversal of fortune, often due to a tragic flaw (hamartia). This reversal leads to the hero's downfall, which evokes feelings of pity and fear in the audience.

   - Aristotle emphasized the importance of unity of action, time, and place in a tragedy, as well as the concept of "catharsis" or emotional purification.

2. Dryden's Definition of Play:

   - John Dryden, an English poet and playwright, had a broader definition of a play compared to Aristotle's specific focus on tragedy.

   - Dryden's definition encompasses various dramatic forms, including comedies, tragedies, and heroic plays. He believed that the primary purpose of a play was to entertain and engage the audience.

   - Unlike Aristotle's emphasis on catharsis and the tragic hero, Dryden's approach is more flexible and inclusive, allowing for a wider range of themes and emotions in plays.

In summary, the main difference between Aristotle's definition of tragedy and Dryden's definition of a play is that Aristotle's definition is specific to tragedy, focusing on emotional purification and the tragic hero, while Dryden's definition is more general and encompasses different forms of drama with an emphasis on entertainment and audience engagement.

Q:2 Any topic of choice:

Why is Drydes considered as a father of English Criticism?

John Dryden is often considered one of the key figures in the development of English literary criticism and is sometimes referred to as the "father of English criticism" for several reasons:

1. Introduction of Neoclassical Principles: Dryden played a pivotal role in introducing and popularizing neoclassical principles of literary criticism in English literature during the late 17th century. He drew heavily from classical Greek and Roman literary theories, especially Aristotle's "Poetics."

2. Critical Prefaces: Dryden's critical prefaces to his own works and translations are highly influential. In these prefaces, he provided extensive commentary and analysis of the literary choices he made. His prefaces often served as guides for understanding the principles of poetry and drama, making his ideas accessible to other writers and critics.

3. "An Essay of Dramatic Poesy": One of Dryden's most notable critical works is "An Essay of Dramatic Poesy" (1668), where he engaged in a spirited debate about the nature of drama and defended English drama against French dramatic traditions. This essay is considered a landmark in English literary criticism.

4. Adoption of Heroic Couplets: Dryden was instrumental in popularizing the use of heroic couplets (rhymed pairs of lines in iambic pentameter) in English poetry. His skillful use of this form in both his poetry and critical writings set a standard for the period.

5. Versatility: Dryden was a versatile writer and critic. He wrote poetry, plays, essays, translations, and criticism, allowing him to apply his critical insights to a wide range of literary forms. This versatility contributed to his influence as a critic.

6. Recognition by Later Critics: Many later critics and writers, including Alexander Pope and Samuel Johnson, admired and respected Dryden's critical acumen. They often referred to his works and ideas in their own critical writings, further solidifying his status as a foundational figure in English literary criticism.

7. Clarity and Accessibility: Dryden's prose style was known for its clarity and accessibility. His writings were often straightforward and easily understood, making his critical ideas more approachable for a broader audience.

In summary, John Dryden's promotion of neoclassical principles, his critical prefaces and essays, and his influence on subsequent generations of critics and writers all contribute to his recognition as a significant figure in the history of English literary criticism. While he may not be the sole "father" of English criticism, his contributions were undeniably influential in shaping the critical discourse of his time and beyond.