John Dryden – An Essay of Dramatic Poesy
John Dryden’s Essay of Dramatic Poesy (1668) is the most important piece of English neoclassical criticism. It is written as a dialogue among four characters—Crites, Eugenius, Lisideius, and Neander—who debate the nature of drama, comparing:
- Ancients vs Moderns
- English vs French drama
- Rhyme vs Blank Verse
- Rules vs Creativity
The essay is set during the Anglo-Dutch War as the characters take a boat ride on the Thames.
Main Characters (Debaters)
- Crites – defender of the Ancients.
- Eugenius – supporter of the Moderns.
- Lisideius – admirer of French drama.
- Neander – Dryden’s own voice; defends English drama.
Summary of the Arguments
1. Crites – Defence of the Ancients
Crites praises the classical Greek and Roman writers:
- They established rules of drama.
- Their work is timeless and perfect.
- Modern writers only imitate them.
He criticises modern playwrights for:
- unnatural plots
- violating unities
- excessive mixing of comedy and tragedy
2. Eugenius – Defence of the Moderns
Eugenius argues that the Ancients:
- lacked invention
- used outdated plots
- had stylistic limitations
He claims modern drama is superior because:
- plots are more varied
- characters are more realistic
- language is more refined
3. Lisideius – Praise of French Drama
Lisideius supports the French dramatists like Corneille and Racine. He praises them for:
- strict obedience to the Three Unities
- well-constructed, elegant plots
- avoidance of violence on stage
- decorum and order
He criticises English drama for:
- overcrowded scenes
- mixing of genres
- lack of discipline
4. Neander (Dryden) – Defence of English Drama
Neander praises Shakespeare and English dramatists. According to him:
- Shakespeare is the greatest of all dramatists.
- English drama’s mixture of tragic and comic elements enriches the play.
- English plays portray life more realistically.
Neander accepts that French plays are elegant but calls them “too cold and lifeless.”
Neander’s View on the Three Unities
Neander argues:
- Unity of Action is necessary.
- Unity of Time and Place are not essential.
Strict rules should not limit dramatic imagination.
Rhyme vs Blank Verse Debate
One of the most important parts of the essay.
Neander’s argument:
- Rhyme is suitable for heroic plays.
- It elevates language and makes the dialogue memorable.
- Blank verse is natural, but rhyme adds artistic beauty.
Dryden does not say rhyme is better in all plays—only in “heroic drama.”
Dryden’s Critical Position
- Drama should imitate life, not rules.
- Shakespeare is unmatched in portraying human nature.
- Rules (like unities) are helpful but not absolute.
- English drama is superior because it reflects the fullness of life.
Important Concepts
- Mimesis – imitation of life.
- Decorum – characters must behave suitably.
- Unity of Action – the most necessary unity.
- Wit – inventive, intellectual creativity.
Critical Analysis
- Dryden introduced modern comparative criticism.
- The essay balances tradition with creativity.
- Neander’s view is liberal, moderate, and practical.
- Dryden rejects rigid classicism and supports imaginative freedom.
- The dialogue form allows multiple opinions without dogmatism.
Quick Revision Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Author | John Dryden |
| Work | An Essay of Dramatic Poesy (1668) |
| Form | Critical dialogue |
| Main Characters | Crites, Eugenius, Lisideius, Neander |
| Key Debate | Ancients vs Moderns |
| Dryden’s View | English drama superior; Shakespeare supreme |
| Important Topic | Rhyme vs blank verse |
| Tragic Rules | Unity of action essential; time/place flexible |
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