An Essay of Dramatic Poesyby John Dryden is one of the most important works of literary criticism in English literature. Written during the Restoration period and published in 1668, this essay presents a detailed discussion on the nature of drama and the principles that define great theatrical works. It is structured as a dialogue among four fictional characters, each representing different views on classical and modern drama. The work offers not only Dryden’s defense of English drama but also a comparative critique of ancient and contemporary playwrights. Thiscritical analysis of An Essay of Dramatic Poesywill examine its structure, key arguments, and long-lasting impact on literary theory.
Background and Context
Dryden wroteAn Essay of Dramatic Poesyduring a time of great change in English literature. The theatres had reopened after years of Puritan suppression, and writers were exploring new themes and techniques. Drama was at the center of this cultural revival. Dryden aimed to address the ongoing debate between supporters of classical drama and advocates of modern approaches. The essay was set against the backdrop of the Second Anglo-Dutch War and is framed as a conversation among four men during a boat ride on the River Thames.
Historical Significance
The essay reflects the intellectual environment of the Restoration. During this period, there was an increased interest in classical literature, reason, and order, all of which shaped literary standards. Dryden’s work stands as a response to this intellectual curiosity, seeking to find a balanced approach between respect for the classical and appreciation of the modern.
Main Characters and Their Roles
Dryden presents the essay as a dialogue among four speakers Crites, Eugenius, Lisideius, and Neander. Each character offers a distinct perspective on dramatic theory.
- Critesargues in favor of ancient drama, especially Greek and Roman playwrights.
- Eugeniussupports modern French drama and believes it surpasses the classics.
- Lisideiusdefends French plays as superior due to their adherence to unities and refinement.
- Neander, representing Dryden’s own views, advocates for English drama and praises Shakespeare.
This structure allows Dryden to present multiple viewpoints before offering his own conclusions. The characters serve as mouthpieces for the ongoing debate about what makes good drama.
Key Themes and Critical Issues
Dryden explores several critical issues related to dramatic theory. His treatment of these subjects contributes to the essay’s importance as a foundational text in literary criticism.
Classical vs. Modern Drama
One of the main themes in the essay is the comparison between classical and modern drama. Crites believes the ancient dramatists, such as Sophocles and Euripides, reached an artistic peak that modern writers cannot surpass. He values their use of form, structure, and poetic quality. On the other hand, Eugenius counters this argument by pointing out the limitations of classical drama and highlighting the innovations of modern playwrights. Neander ultimately argues that although the ancients were excellent, modern plays, especially English ones, offer more variety and emotional depth.
The Unities of Time, Place, and Action
Lisideius praises the French dramatists for their strict observance of the classical unities. These rules dictate that a play should take place within one day, in a single setting, and follow one main plot. Neander, however, challenges this rigid structure. He believes that English drama benefits from the freedom to use subplots and changes in location. According to him, this approach makes the drama more realistic and engaging for audiences.
The Use of Rhyme in Drama
Dryden, through Neander, also discusses whether rhyme should be used in dramatic dialogue. At the time, many English playwrights wrote in blank verse. Dryden argues that rhymed verse adds artistic beauty and clarity to dramatic expression. Though this opinion was not universally accepted, it reveals Dryden’s desire to elevate drama to a poetic form while still making it accessible and entertaining.
Defense of English Drama
One of the most important aspects ofAn Essay of Dramatic Poesyis Dryden’s defense of English playwrights like William Shakespeare and Ben Jonson. Neander criticizes French drama for being too polished and artificial. He claims that English plays, despite being less orderly, are richer in character development and emotional truth.
Shakespeare vs. French Playwrights
Neander admires Shakespeare’s ability to capture human nature. He sees the Bard’s mix of comedy and tragedy as a reflection of real life. Shakespeare’s plays may not follow the unities or rigid structure, but they resonate with audiences through powerful storytelling and unforgettable characters.
Ben Jonson’s Discipline
While praising Shakespeare, Neander also acknowledges Ben Jonson’s talent for constructing plots and adhering to classical models. This shows Dryden’s balanced appreciation for both imaginative freedom and formal discipline in drama.
Impact on Literary Criticism
An Essay of Dramatic Poesyhelped shape modern literary criticism by demonstrating how dialogue can be used to explore theoretical issues. Dryden avoids delivering a dogmatic argument. Instead, he presents multiple viewpoints and allows the reader to engage critically with the ideas. This method influenced later critics and remains relevant in discussions of dramatic theory.
Promotion of Critical Thinking
Rather than dictating rules, Dryden encourages readers to compare different styles and traditions. He recognizes that no single form of drama is perfect. The essay promotes the idea that criticism should involve thoughtful analysis and open-minded comparison.
Enduring Relevance
The themes discussed in the essay such as innovation versus tradition, poetic language, and the role of audience expectations are still debated today. Modern playwrights continue to wrestle with similar concerns, which shows the timeless quality of Dryden’s insights.
An Essay of Dramatic Poesystands as a landmark work in the history of English literary criticism. It offers a comprehensive exploration of dramatic theory while defending the richness and diversity of English drama. Through its characters and arguments, the essay presents a dialogue between tradition and innovation, structure and freedom, logic and emotion. Dryden’s balanced and thoughtful approach makes it a vital text for anyone interested in literature, theatre, or critical thinking. By analyzing its themes, structure, and key contributions, we gain a deeper appreciation for the role this essay has played in shaping the way we understand drama today.