"Dryden's essay on Dramatic poesy"

 Welcome to my blog .this blog written as a part of a class  activity    assigned by Dr.dilip barad sir. in this blog  given answer the questions.

In this blog first, I want to share difference between Aristotal 's defination of Tregedy and Dryden's defination of play?

Ans:

Defination of a Tregedy by Aristotle:

Aristotle ( 384–322 BC) was an Ancient Greek philosopher and polymath. His writings cover a broad range of subjects spanning the natural sciences, philosophy, linguistics, economics, politics, psychology and the arts.Aristotle, the an defined tragedy in his work "Poetics" as a form of drama that arouses emotions of pity and fear in the audience.

Aristotle's defination of Tregedy :

“Tragedy,” says Aristotle, “is an imitation of an action that is serious, complete, and of a certain magnitude"…

Aristotle's definition of tragedy, outlined in his work "Poetics". include some key points.

1. Involves the imitation of an action that is serious, complete, and of a certain magnitude.

2. Evokes emotions of pity and fear in the audience, leading to catharsis (purging or cleansing of these emotions).

3. Follows a specific structure with a beginning (exposition), middle (climax), and end (resolution).

4. Features a tragic hero, a character of noble stature, who experiences a reversal of fortune due to a tragic flaw (hamartia) and faces their downfall.

5. Involves the concept of "anagnorisis," where the tragic hero gains insight or recognizes their mistake too late.

6. Contains elements of "peripeteia," a sudden reversal of circumstances, and "hubris," excessive pride or arrogance .

Aristotalian Tregedy

*Defination of play by Dryden's point of view:

John Dryden 

John Dryden's definition of a play, as found in his essay "Of Dramatic Poesy," can be broken down into a few key points:

"(As a Dryden view point defination of play)a play ought to be a just and lively image of human nature, representing its passions and humours, for the delight and instructure"

1. Representation of Human Nature: Dryden believes that a play should serve as a mirror to human nature. It should depict the various facets of human behavior, including emotions, desires, and flaws.

2. Portrayal of Passions and Humors: He emphasizes the importance of showing the passions and humors (personality traits) of characters. This means that characters should display a range of emotions and personalities that the audience can relate to or learn .

3. Changes of Fortune: Dryden suggests that a play should include elements of unpredictability and change in fortune. This could involve twists in the plot, unexpected events, or shifts in the characters' circumstances. These changes add depth and engagement to the narrative.

4. Delight and Instruction: The ultimate purpose of a play, according to Dryden, is to both entertain and educate the audience. While providing enjoyment, it should also offer insights into human behavior or moral lessons that the audience can take away.

5.unity of action:Plays should have a clear and coherent plot with a well-structured storyline that engages the audience.

In summary, Aristotle's definition of tragedy focuses on the emotional and moral aspects of a tragic story, while Dryden's ideas were more concerned with the structure and style of plays, particularly in the context of English drama.

(Q.2)

Dryden as a " Father of English criticism".

Answer:

(JOHN DRYDEN)

Introduction:

John Dryden, a prolific poet, playwright, and critic of the 17th century, is often hailed as the "Father of English Criticism." His contributions to literature, both as a creative writer and as a critic, have had a profound and lasting impact on the English literary tradition. In this blog, we will explore Dryden's life, his major works, and his enduring legacy as a pioneer of English literary criticism.

I. (Early Life and Background):

John Dryden was born on August 9, 1631, in Aldwincle, Northamptonshire, England. He came from a Puritan family and received a classical education at Westminster School and Trinity College, Cambridge. His early exposure to the classics and his deep appreciation for the works of Aristotle, Horace, and others laid the foundation for his future contributions to literary criticism.

II. (Literary Achievements):

1. Poetry:

Dryden's poetic career began with his first published work, "Heroic Stanzas" (1658), written in response to the death of Oliver Cromwell. He went on to write numerous poems, including "Annus Mirabilis" (1667) and "Absalom and Achitophel" (1681), which showcased his mastery of various poetic forms and his skill in political satire.

2.Drama:

Dryden was also a successful playwright, and his tragicomedies, such as "The Indian Emperor" (1665) and "All for Love" (1677), demonstrated his ability to adapt classical themes to the English stage. He played a pivotal role in the development of the heroic drama genre.

III. (Contributions to English Criticism):

1. An Essay of Dramatic Poesy (1668):

One of Dryden's most significant contributions to literary criticism is his essay "An Essay of Dramatic Poesy," which is a defense of English drama against the attacks of French critics. In this essay, Dryden champions the merits of Shakespeare and defends the use of rhyme in English drama. His essay laid the groundwork for the subsequent development of English literary criticism.

2. Prefaces to His Works:

Dryden wrote prefaces to many of his own works, providing insightful commentary on his creative process, the principles of poetry, and his views on literature. These prefaces served as early examples of authorial self-analysis and set a precedent for future writers to engage critically with their own work.

IV.( Legacy):

John Dryden's influence on English criticism cannot be overstated. His emphasis on the importance of adherence to nature in literature, his defense of English literature against foreign influences, and his exploration of literary forms all laid the groundwork for future critics and writers. Dryden's works and ideas continued to shape English literary criticism throughout the 18th century, making him a true "Father of English Criticism."

Conclusion:

John Dryden's multifaceted career as a poet, playwright, and critic established him as a central figure in the English literary landscape of the 17th century. His critical writings, in particular, have left an indelible mark on the development of English literary criticism. Dryden's legacy as the "Father of English Criticism" endures, reminding us of the enduring importance of his contributions to the world of letters.

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