Critical Presentation On Dryden Resto-Comedy

Presentation on John Dryden: The Father of English Criticism and
Restoration Drama
Introduction
John Dryden (1631–1700) stands as one of the most influential figures in English literature
during the Restoration period. His contributions range from poetry to drama and literary
criticism. Known as the “father of English criticism,” Dryden’s works reflect a blend of
classical influences and an acute awareness of his contemporary society, making him a
literary giant in shaping the direction of English literature after the political and cultural
upheavals of the English Civil War.
Early Life and Historical Context
Born in 1631 into a Puritan family, Dryden grew up amidst the turmoil of the English Civil
War and the eventual restoration of the monarchy in 1660. This political and social
transformation heavily influenced his career, especially his support for King Charles II and
later, King James II. The Restoration period, characterized by a revival of the arts and a new
focus on reason and wit, became the perfect environment for Dryden to flourish as a writer.
Dryden’s Poetry: Classical Precision Meets Personal Reflection

Dryden’s poetic works highlight his mastery of the heroic couplet and classical forms,
blending reason, clarity, and control. His long poem Annus Mirabilis (1667), which
celebrates England’s resilience after the Great Fire of London and the war with the Dutch,
stands as a quintessential example of his ability to reflect public events through poetry.
Absalom and Achitophel (1681) is perhaps his most famous political satire, where he uses
the Biblical story of Absalom’s rebellion against his father, King David, as an allegory for the
Exclusion Crisis In England. Here, Dryden's genius lies in his blending of political
commentary and poetic artistry. He manages to critique those who oppose King Charles II
while maintaining elegance and wit.
In his Fables, Ancient and Modern (1700), Dryden demonstrates his respect for classical
antiquity by reinterpreting works from Homer, Ovid, and Chaucer. These translations
highlight his dedication to blending the wisdom of the ancients with contemporary
sensibilities.
Dryden’s Drama: Master of the Restoration Stage
Though Dryden’s poetic talents are well known, his contributions to drama, especially
during the Restoration period, were equally important. Restoration drama was known for its
focus on wit, sexual intrigue, and the manners of the upper class. Dryden’s plays, however,
attempted to infuse a moral seriousness into the otherwise bawdy and light-hearted
conventions of Restoration comedy.
His heroic tr”gedies“ such as The Conquest of Granada (1670) and All for Love (1677),
adapted classical dramatic forms, especially those of French neoclassicism. All for Love, a
retelling of Shakespeare’s Antony and Cleopatra, is often considered one of Dryden’s finest
works. His emphasis on decorum and moral dilemmas set him apart from the more
lighthearted Restoration playwrights like William Wycherley or William Congreve.
However, Dryden’s plays also reflect the tensions of his time, particularly the tension
between public duty and private passion. He often wrestled with the challenges of aligning
personal ambition and morality with public service, themes that resonate throughout his
tragedies.
Dryden as a Critic: Father of English Literary Criticism
Dryden’s critical works earned him the title of the “father of English criticism,” setting the
foundation for later critics such as Alexander Pope and Samuel Johnson. His most
important contribution is An Essay of Dramatic Poesy (1668), a dialogue in which he
defends English drama against its detractors. In this work, Dryden balances between
reverence for classical models, particularly those of Aristotle and the French neoclassical
tradition, and his defense of Shakespeare and English drama’s more creative and
naturalistic tendencies.
Dryden argued for the concept of “decorum” in literature—works should conform to moral,
ethical, and stylistic appropriateness. He praised Shakespeare’s genius but acknowledged
that he often deviated from classical norms, particularly in his disregard for the unities of
time, place, and action. Dryden’s balanced approach to criticism—his ability to appreciate
both the ancient classical rules and the innovations of modern English drama—helped
shape English literary taste for centuries to come.
Religious and Political Shifts
A significant part of Dryden’s legacy is tied to his religious and political shifts. He converted
to Catholicism after the ascension of James II to the throne, a decision that alienated some
of his peers but was in line with his characteristic pragmatism and support for the
monarchy. This conversion influenced his later works, particularly The Hind and the
Panther (1687), a religious allegory defending Catholicism against Protestant attacks. His
political loyalty was similarly tested when James II was overthrown in the Glorious
Revolution of 1688, leading to Dryden’s fall from favor and his removal as Poet Laureate.
Dryden’s Legacy
John Dryden’s legacy is vast, spanning poetry, drama, satire, and criticism. His innovations
in the use of the heroic couplet, his blending of classical and modern sensibilities, and his
influence on both literary and dramatic forms left an indelible mark on English literature.
His role as a critic, in particular, was revolutionary—Dryden’s capacity to engage with
literature both as a creator and an evaluator set the stage for future generations of writers.
Conclusion
John Dryden was a man of profound versatility, shifting between poetic, dramatic, and
critical forms, all the while navigating the complexities of a volatile political and social
landscape. His ability to straddle the classical and modern worlds, and his pioneering
efforts in literary criticism, ensure his place as one of the foundational figures of English
literature.

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Presentation on John Dryden: The Father of English Criticism and

Early Life and Historical Context

Dryden’s Poetry: Classical Precision Meets Personal Reflection

Dryden’s Drama: Master of the Restoration Stage

Dryden as a Critic: Father of English Literary Criticism

Religious and Political Shifts

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