Critical Analysis of John Dryden’s An Essay of Dramatic Poesy

 

Critical Analysis of John Dryden’s

An Essay of Dramatic Poesy

 

Introduction

John Dryden’s An Essay of Dramatic Poesy (1668) is one of the earliest and most influential works of English literary criticism. Written during the Restoration period, the essay explores the nature, purpose, and merits of drama. Dryden employs a dialogic format, with four fictional characters debating the qualities of ancient, French, and English drama, as well as the value of the unities and the role of dramatic art. This critical essay examines the key arguments, structure, and relevance of Dryden’s work, highlighting its place in the history of literary criticism.

Historical Context

·       The essay was written during a time when English drama was being revived after the Puritan ban during the Commonwealth.

·       Influenced by classical critics like Aristotle and Horace, as well as contemporary French theorists like Corneille, Dryden sought to reconcile classical ideals with the vibrant, imaginative qualities of English drama.

·       Dryden wrote this essay during the plague of 1665 when the theaters were closed, reflecting on the nature and evolution of drama.

Structure and Style

Ø An Essay of Dramatic Poesy is written as a dialogue among four characters—Crites, Eugenius, Lisideius, and Neander—who represent different critical viewpoints.

Ø Each character is thought to symbolize specific perspectives:

§  Crites: Defender of classical drama (Greek and Roman).

§  Eugenius: Advocate for modern (Renaissance and Restoration) drama over classical.

§  Lisideius: Proponent of French drama, particularly its adherence to the classical unities.

§  Neander: Dryden’s own voice, championing English drama while acknowledging its flaws.

The dialogic style allows Dryden to present multiple perspectives, creating a balanced and nuanced discussion.

Key Arguments in the Essay

1. The Superiority of Modern Drama

Eugenius argues that modern drama surpasses classical drama in several respects:

·       Modern dramatists have improved upon classical plots and characters, making them more complex and relatable.

·       Ancient playwrights like Sophocles and Euripides focused on simple plots, whereas modern drama offers variety and emotional depth.

Dryden, through Neander, partially agrees, acknowledging the creative freedom and richness of modern drama, though he still respects the classics.

2. The Debate Over the Unities

Lisideius extols the French adherence to the classical unities of time, place, and action, which ensure dramatic coherence and verisimilitude.

·       Unity of Time: French plays restrict the action to a single day.

·       Unity of Place: The action occurs in one location.

·       Unity of Action: The plot is singular and focused, avoiding subplots.

Neander (Dryden) counters this by defending English drama’s use of multiple settings, timeframes, and complex plots.

·       He argues that strict adherence to the unities limits the playwright’s creative scope.

·       English plays, like Shakespeare’s, offer greater emotional range and appeal to the imagination, even if they deviate from classical rules.

3. French vs. English Drama

Lisideius praises French drama for its elegance, decorum, and refinement.

·       French plays avoid violence on stage and emphasize polished dialogue over action.

·       The works of Corneille are cited as exemplary.

Neander champions English drama, particularly the works of Shakespeare and Ben Jonson:

·       Shakespeare is celebrated for his natural genius, emotional depth, and universal appeal, despite technical flaws.

·       Ben Jonson is praised for his adherence to classical principles while retaining the vitality of English drama.

·       Neander asserts that English drama, though less polished, is richer in variety and imaginative scope.

4. The Role of Drama

Dryden highlights the purpose of drama as a combination of teaching and delighting (echoing Sidney’s Apologie for Poetrie).

·       He defends English dramatists’ focus on entertainment, asserting that art should engage the audience emotionally and intellectually.

·       The dramatic representation of human life and emotions, even if exaggerated, is essential to the genre’s impact.

Critical Evaluation

Strengths

1.   Balanced Perspective:
Dryden’s use of dialogue allows for a fair discussion of opposing viewpoints, making the essay intellectually engaging and inclusive.

2.   Defense of English Drama:
Neander’s arguments establish the uniqueness of English drama, celebrating its imaginative richness while acknowledging its flaws.

3.   Integration of Classical and Modern Ideas:
Dryden respects classical principles but adapts them to the needs of contemporary drama, making his criticism both timeless and practical.

4.   Rhetorical Excellence:
The essay is a masterpiece of Restoration prose, characterized by clarity, elegance, and persuasive reasoning.

Limitations

1.   Eurocentric Focus:
The essay’s discussion is confined to European traditions, neglecting non-Western dramatic forms.

2.   Inconsistent Application of Standards:
Dryden’s admiration for Shakespeare occasionally contradicts his support for classical decorum and structure.

3.   Idealization of Drama:
While Dryden emphasizes the didactic role of drama, this overlooks the potential for purely aesthetic or entertainment-focused works.

Legacy and Influence

1.   Foundation of English Literary Criticism:
An Essay of Dramatic Poesy is one of the first comprehensive works of English literary criticism, influencing later critics like Samuel Johnson and Coleridge.

2.   Shaping Restoration Drama:
Dryden’s ideas on drama reflected and shaped Restoration theater, promoting a balance between classical ideals and English creativity.

3.   Enduring Relevance:
The essay remains a vital text for understanding the evolution of literary theory and the dynamics of classical and modern traditions.

Conclusion

John Dryden’s An Essay of Dramatic Poesy is a landmark work that bridges the classical and modern worlds of literary criticism. Through its dialogic structure, it provides a rich, multifaceted discussion of drama, celebrating its capacity to teach, delight, and reflect human life. While some aspects of the essay reflect its historical context, its insights into the nature of art and creativity continue to resonate, making it a cornerstone of English literary thought.

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