Dryden's essay on Dramatic Poesy

This blog task was given by Barad Sir. You can check link here.

1. Do you any difference between Aristotle's definition of Tragedy and Dryden's definition of play?

Ans- Yes, there are notable differences between Aristotle's definition of tragedy and John Dryden's definition of play.

Aristotle's Definition of Tragedy:

A. Aristotle's definition of tragedy can be found in his work "Poetics." According to Aristotle, tragedy is a dramatic form that arouses feelings of pity and fear in the audience, leading to catharsis, a purging of these emotions.

B. He emphasized the importance of a tragic hero, a character of noble stature who experiences a reversal of fortune (peripeteia) due to a tragic flaw (hamartia).

C. Aristotle also highlighted the concept of the three unities: unity of time (the action should take place within a single day), unity of place (the action should occur in a single location), and unity of action (the plot should have a clear, cause-and-effect structure).

John Dryden's Definition of Play:

A. John Dryden, an English poet and playwright, provided a more flexible definition of drama or play.

B. He believed that the primary purpose of drama was to entertain and engage the audience, rather than strictly adhering to Aristotle's principles.

C. Dryden's approach to drama was less concerned with specific rules and more focused on creating engaging and enjoyable theatrical experiences.

D. He advocated for the use of rhyme in drama, which was a departure from the classical unrhymed verse.

In summary, Aristotle's definition of tragedy is rooted in classical principles emphasizing catharsis, tragic heroes, and unity of elements, while Dryden's definition of play is more lenient and focuses on entertaining the audience without strict adherence to classical rules.

2. Any topic of you choice but pertaining to Dryden as 'father of english criticism'

Ans- Certainly, one interesting aspect of John Dryden's legacy as the "father of English criticism" is his significant influence on literary criticism in the English-speaking world. Dryden's critical writings and essays played a pivotal role in shaping the way literature was analyzed and appreciated in his time and beyond. Here are a few key points related to this:

A. Introduction of Neoclassical Ideas: Dryden was a proponent of Neoclassical literary theory, which drew heavily from classical Greek and Roman models. He championed the idea that literature should follow certain established rules and principles, such as unity of action, decorum, and clarity of expression. These ideas had a lasting impact on how English literature was evaluated and created.

B. "An Essay of Dramatic Poesy": Dryden's essay "An Essay of Dramatic Poesy" is a seminal work in the history of English literary criticism. In this essay, he engages in a lively and thoughtful debate about the merits of ancient and modern drama. This work introduced many critical concepts and frameworks that continued to influence literary discussions for centuries.

C. Defending English Literature: Dryden also played a crucial role in defending English literature against what he perceived as the undue influence of French literature. In his essay "The Defence of Poesie," he argued for the worthiness of English literature and its ability to rival the classics.

D. Clarity and Precision in Writing: Dryden emphasized the importance of clear and precise writing. His emphasis on clarity of expression and the use of rhyme in verse had a lasting impact on English poetry and prose. His ideas contributed to the development of a more refined and polished style in English literature.

E. Critical Authority:Dryden's stature as a prominent writer and poet lent weight to his critical opinions. His works were widely read and respected, and his critical judgments carried significant authority during his time.

In essence, John Dryden's role as the "father of English criticism" lies in his advocacy for Neoclassical ideals, his contributions to critical discourse through essays, and his influence on shaping the standards of English literature and literary criticism for generations to come.