Dryden

Evaluation of Dryden as a Critic/ Father of English Criticism

Biographical Introduction

John Dryden (1631–1700) was a prominent poet, playwright, translator, and critic who played a crucial role in shaping English literary tradition. Born in Northamptonshire, England, he studied at Westminster School and later at Trinity College, Cambridge. His literary career flourished during the Restoration period, and his influence was so profound that the years from 1660 to 1700 are often called the Age of Dryden. He was appointed Poet Laureate in 1668 and dominated the literary scene with his poetry, drama, and critical writings. His contributions to literary criticism were particularly groundbreaking that earned  him the title "father of English criticism" from Dr. Samuel Johnson.

Dryden’s Contribution to English Criticism

Dryden made significant contributions to the development of English literary criticism.

1. He was one of the first critics to establish literary criticism as a systematic discipline rather than just a casual discussion of literature.

2. He pioneered the use of comparison and analysis, which laid the foundation for modern critical practice.

3. T.S. Eliot regarded him as "positively the first master of English criticism," recognizing his influence on later critics.

4. His critical insights were often embedded in prefaces and dedications, reflecting his practical and applied approach.

5. He primarily wrote criticism to justify his own literary works, engaging in self-criticism and defending his artistic choices.

Dryden’s Critical Method and Style

Dryden’s approach to criticism was both descriptive and pragmatic, setting him apart from earlier prescriptive critics.

1. Descriptive Rather than Prescriptive: He was the first English critic to move beyond rigid rules and focus on literary appreciation.

2. Use of the Dialogic Method: In An Essay of Dramatic Poesy, he adopted a debate format, presenting multiple perspectives.

3. Fluent and Accessible Prose: His writing style was admired for its clarity, rhythm, and elegance, leading Matthew Arnold to call him the "classic of our prose."

4. Flexible Use of Classical Rules: Unlike later neoclassicists, Dryden adapted classical principles rather than following them blindly.

Influence of Classical Critics

Dryden drew inspiration from classical critics such as Aristotle, Horace, and Longinus but modified their ideas to suit contemporary English literature.

• He upheld the three unities (time, place, and action) but did not insist on strict adherence.

• He defended tragicomedy. He argued that literature must evolve with time rather than be confined to rigid Aristotelian norms.

• His balanced and flexible approach set him apart from strict classicists who imposed absolute rules on literary composition.

An Essay of Dramatic Poesy: A Landmark in Criticism

Dryden’s most significant critical work, An Essay of Dramatic Poesy, was written during the plague years (1665–1666) and took the form of a literary dialogue. It debates key issues in drama through four characters:

1. Lisideius (Charles Sedley): Favors French drama.

2. Crites (Sir Robert Howard): Defends ancient drama and neoclassicism.

3. Eugenius (Charles Sackville): Supports modern drama.

4. Neander (Dryden himself): Presents a balanced perspective, defending English drama and justifying the use of rhyme in tragedy.

The dialogue covers the following debates:

• Ancients vs. Moderns: The merits of classical drama compared to contemporary drama.

• Elizabethans vs. Contemporaries: The strengths and weaknesses of early English dramatists.

• English vs. French Drama: A discussion on dramatic structure and poetic expression.

• Rhyme vs. Blank Verse: The effectiveness of poetic language in drama.

Dryden wrote this essay mainly to support English drama while recognizing the value of both classical and modern playwrights. He admired Shakespeare’s creativity, even though his plays lacked strict structure, and praised Ben Jonson for his careful and skillful writing. His ideas about imitation in art followed the beliefs of Aristotle and Horace.

Dryden’s Views on Major Literary Figures

Dryden provided insightful evaluations of key literary figures:

• Shakespeare: A natural genius, akin to Homer, rich in imagination but lacking discipline.

• Ben Jonson: More precise and learned, like Virgil, excelling in dramatic structure and artistry.

• Chaucer: The father of English poetry, known for his realism and humor.

Strengths of Dryden’s Criticism

Dryden’s critical approach had several strengths that set him apart from his predecessors:

1. Literature as an Independent Field: He viewed literature as separate from moral and philosophical rules.

2. Wide and Deep Knowledge: He understood both old and modern literature, which improved his criticism.

3. Focus on Language: He emphasized the importance of words and style, which earlier critics ignored.

4. Lively and Engaging Criticism: His debate-style writing included different viewpoints, making his arguments interesting.

5. Ahead of His Time: His focus on appreciating literature, rather than strict rules, influenced later critics.

 Limitations of Dryen’s Literary Criticism:

Despite his strengths, Dryden’s criticism had certain limitations:

• Inconsistency: His opinions changed over time, sometimes leading to  contradictions..

• Lack of Precision: Some of his arguments were vague and not well-defined.

• Pragmatic over Theoretical: He sometimes adjusted his views to match the trends of his time.

• Self-Defensive Approach: Many of his critical writings focused on defending his own works rather than objectively analyzing literature.

Drden as a Translator:

In the final two decades of his career, Dryden devoted much of his time to translating Greek and Roman classics. His translation philosophy was as follows:

• Opposed strict literalism (metaphrase): He avoided word-for-word translation.

• Rejected excessive reinterpretation (imitation): He maintained the essence of the original works.

• Favored faithful yet autonomous paraphrasing: His translations balanced accuracy with poetic beauty.

Dryden’s translations of Virgil and Ovid were highly valued for keeping both their meaning and beauty. Samuel Johnson praised him for capturing the essence of the originals while making them easy to understand for his readers.

Dryden’s Impact:

John Dryden had a deep and lasting influence on English criticism. His practical and thoughtful approach helped develop neoclassical literary ideas. Instead of following strict rules, he focused on understanding and appreciating literature, which set the stage for modern literary criticism. His ability to consider different viewpoints and his clear, graceful writing style made his critical works highly important.

As Atkins noted, Dryden’s criticism helped readers find new literary qualities while improving their understanding of familiar works. His contributions as a critic, translator, and thinker remain an important part of English literary history.