Hello everyone today is these blog I'm going to give some information regarding the John Dryden and his essay.
💁Introduction:-
John Dryden, a prominent figure in English literature during the late 17th century, is often known as the "Father of English Criticism." His contributions to literary theory, particularly his influential essay "An Essay of Dramatic Poesy," have shaped the way we analyze and appreciate literature. In this blog post, we'll explore two main aspects related to Dryden's role as the "Father of English Criticism."
John Dryden ( 1631-1700)
First, we'll delve into the debate between French and English drama and whether the arguments presented for and against each style were appropriate. Second, we'll discuss Dryden's pivotal role in shaping English literary criticism.
👉Do you think argument presented in favor of the French play's and against English plays are appropriate?(say for example death should not be performed as it neither 'just' not 'liely' image, displaying duel fight with blunted swords, thousand of soldiers marching represented as five on stage, mingling of mirth and serious, multiple plots ,etc..)
The arguments presented include criticism of English plays for their portrayal of death, the use of unrealistic staged duels, the limited representation of large-scale battles, the mixing of comedic and serious elements, and the presence of multiple plotlines. These arguments can be seen as a reflection of the neoclassical ideals of the time, which emphasized reason, order, and adherence to classical rules.
In contrast, French plays were seen as embodying these ideals more closely, as they followed the rules of classical French drama set by Pierre Corneille and Jean Racine. These rules included strict adherence to the three unities (time, place, and action), emphasis on noble and heroic characters, and a consistent tone throughout the play.
👀The Debate Between French and English Drama
During Dryden's time, there was a heated debate regarding the merits of French and English drama. Several arguments were made in favor of French plays and against English ones. Let's examine some of these arguments:
Portrayal of Death:
One argument was that death should not be portrayed on stage as it neither presents a "just" nor "likely" image. This reflects the French classical unities, which emphasized a strict adherence to properties and the avoidance of shocking or unrealistic scenes. English drama, in contrast, often embraced the sensational and tragic.
Duel Fight with Blunted Swords:
French plays favored duels with blunted swords, highlighting a commitment to realism and safety on stage. English plays, on the other hand, often featured more dramatic and intense conflict senes.
Representation of Large-Scale Events:
French drama aimed for a more symbolic representation of large-scale events, like battles, often portraying them with a minimal number of actors. English drama was more inclined towards spectacle, even if it meant representing thousands of soldiers with just a handful of actors.
Mingling of Mirth and Seriousness:
French drama preferred a clear separation between comedy and tragedy, while English plays often blended mirth (laughter) and seriousness within the same work.
Multiple Plots:
French drama typically adhered to a single, central plot, while English plays frequently incorporated multiple interconnected plots.
These arguments were appropriate within their respective cultural and theatrical contexts. French drama was rooted in neoclassical principles that sought order, decorum, and moral instruction, while English drama often celebrated the richness of human experience, embracing diversity and complexity.
👉Any topic your choice but pertaining to Dryden as "Father of English criticism ".
👀 John Dryden's Role as the "Father of English Criticism"
John Dryden's "An Essay of Dramatic Poesy" is a creative work that exemplifies his significance as a literary critic. In this essay, Dryden defends English drama against its French counterpart while introducing the concept of the "unities" in drama.
Dryden's defense of English drama showcased his belief in the vitality of the English stage, with its dynamic mix of tragic and comic elements.
He argued that while French drama adhered to the classical unities of time, place, and action, English drama's flexibility allowed for greater creativity and emotional depth.
Dryden's approval for English drama was instrumental in shaping the course of English theater, emphasizing the importance of blending diverse elements to create fascinating narratives.
Conclusion:
In summary, the arguments presented in favor of French plays and against English plays were appropriate in their historical and cultural contexts. They reflected the distinct theatrical sensibilities of the time. John Dryden's role as the "Father of English Criticism" was pivotal in defending and shaping English drama. His contributions to literary theory and criticism continue to be celebrated for their lasting influence on how we understand and appreciate literature.
Okay so here, I'm sharing one video of John Dryden which will help you a lot in gaining more information.
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