Dryden' s essay on Dramatic poesy
John Dryden
John Dryden was an English poet , literary critic, translater and playwright. He was born on 19 August 1631, and died 12 may 1700. He is seen as dominating the literary life of restoration England to such a point that the period come to be known in literature as the age of Dryden. His most famous essay is essay of dramatic poesy .
John Dryden as critical :-
John Dryden was a considered major english literary critic. Dryden helped establish literary criticism as a serious field. Before him, people don't write much about how to judge literature. He started writing essay and explained how evaluate literary works.
He believed a critic's wasn't just to say any work was good or bad . But critics should understand what the author was trying to do . In his essay Dryden compared english plays with the French and ancient play.
Dryden as father of English criticism :-
Dryden was considered as father of English criticism . Also samual Johnson called Dryden the "The father of English criticism". Because Dryden was first critic who seriously analyze and judge english literature. Here's why samual Johnson praised Dryden in this regard :
- First literary critic
- Clear writing style
- Interest for classical principal
- Influence on other writers
John Dryden was the first person to write or judge literary work. Dryden's works contributed to the English literature. He is interested in the ancient Greek and Roman writers . He believed english literature should follow their principles and structure. Dryden was good at writing poetry, plays and essays. Dryden's ideas and style influence the writer's who came after him. Because of those reasons John Dryden was called " Father of English criticism".
Defination of Tragedy by Aristotle and definition of play by Dryden:-
Aristotle definition of Tragedy:-
" An imitation of an action that is serious, complete and of a certain magnitude; in language embellished with artistic ornaments, through pity and fear effecting the proper catharsis of these emotions".
Dryden's definition of a play :-
" A play that depicts serious and important events, aiming to evoke emotions such as pity and fear and to provide both delight and moral instruction to mankind".
Aristotle defined tragedy as a serious story in a way that make audience feel emotions like pity and fear. It's help people clear these emotions, it is a ' catharsis .'
Aristotle's work affects the audience emotional.
On other hand Dryden saw tragedy as serious play, but he added that play is also for entertaining and
teach something valuable. He agreed that Tragedies make people feel pity and fear , but also give moral lesson.
So, while Aristotle focused on emotional way and Dryden focus on moral things .
personal preference, would you side with ancient or the modern?
Ancient or modern play both are interesting but I where choose between ancient or modern play I'll choose modern play .
I am with modern play because modern plays and playwright experiments with different forms, tone and themes. In modern plays actors performed all scenes on stage. Modern plays which praised by Dryden. Modern play allows for more creativity, mixing humor with tragedy and also use technology. Modern play are based on current issues , modern language and new creative ideas. Play are not only for evoke emotions but it is for entertainment, education or learn moral values.
Argument presented in favor of French plays and against english plays :-
French and English plays, particularly from the classical and early modern periods, present themes like death, fight. Here discuss about french plays and english plays argument.
French plays :-
French play was portrayed and use of some elements like death, fight etc.
Death:-
French classical tragedy, influenced by playwright like racine and corneille they treats death with a Focus on honer , fate and personal virtue.
Fight :-
In french classical theater , french plays fights are less common and not in very detailed. They focus more on the characters thought and feelings.
Armies :-
French plays often describe large battles or Armies with words instead of showing them. They use dialogue and storytelling.
English play :-
Death :-
In english plays explored death in a different of way , death is often central to the story and deep emotions. For example Shakespeare's most of work are based on death.
Fight :-
English plays include theatre characters fight. These are choreographed to be dramatic, even swords are not real . For example, Macbeth is performed on stage and actors fight on stage .
Armies :-
In english plays, a few actors might represent a large army. They use sound, movement like there are many soldiers.
Conclusion :-
John Dryden was an important figure in english literary criticism in 17 th century. His essay " An essay of dramatic poesy ", he compared the English plays to ancient Greek and Roman. And he helped how people evaluate literature.
Thank you
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