An Essay of Dramatic Poesyby John Dryden is one of the most important works in English literary criticism, offering a thoughtful discussion on the nature, purpose, and quality of drama. Written in the form of a dialogue, it examines various dramatic traditions while debating the merits of ancient versus modern drama, English versus French styles, and the application of classical rules. Dryden uses this essay not just to defend English drama, but also to explore how literature evolves through time. His work remains influential in the study of literary theory and dramatic criticism, providing valuable insight into the Restoration period’s cultural and artistic debates.
Background and Context
John Dryden wroteAn Essay of Dramatic Poesyduring the second Anglo-Dutch War in 1666. The essay is set as a fictional conversation between four characters who represent different perspectives on drama. The backdrop of a naval battle between England and the Netherlands symbolizes the competitive spirit between different literary traditions. The essay reflects Restoration England’s growing interest in artistic refinement, cultural identity, and the blending of classical rules with contemporary innovation.
The Dialogue Form
Dryden presents his arguments through a lively dialogue among four fictional speakers Crites, Eugenius, Lisideius, and Neander. Each character represents a distinct viewpoint, allowing Dryden to explore multiple sides of the debate in a balanced way.
The Four Characters
- Crites– Defends the superiority of ancient drama over modern works.
- Eugenius– Supports modern drama, praising its creativity and adaptability.
- Lisideius– Prefers French drama, admiring its adherence to classical rules and refined style.
- Neander– Represents Dryden’s own view, defending English drama while acknowledging the strengths of other traditions.
Main Debates in the Essay
The essay covers several central debates about dramatic literature, each revealing differing priorities in terms of style, structure, and artistic purpose.
Ancient vs. Modern Drama
Crites argues that the ancient Greek and Roman playwrights achieved perfection in dramatic form. He values their strict adherence to unities of time, place, and action. Eugenius counters by suggesting that modern drama has evolved, offering greater variety in plots and characters, and appealing more to contemporary tastes.
French vs. English Drama
Lisideius praises French drama for its elegance, order, and adherence to rules, particularly the unities. He believes French plays are superior because they avoid unnecessary subplots and maintain a clear, focused narrative. Neander disagrees, asserting that English drama’s complexity and emotional depth offer a richer experience, even if it sometimes breaks the classical rules.
The Three Unities
The three unities of classical drama unity of time, unity of place, and unity of action are a recurring topic in Dryden’s essay.
- Unity of Time– The action should occur within a single day.
- Unity of Place– The setting should remain in one location.
- Unity of Action– The plot should focus on a single central storyline.
Neander believes these unities are valuable but should not restrict creativity. He argues that drama should aim to engage the audience emotionally and intellectually, even if it bends the rules.
Tragedy and Comedy
Dryden, through Neander, emphasizes that both tragedy and comedy have important roles in drama. Tragedy moves the audience by presenting noble actions and deep moral conflicts, while comedy entertains and teaches by exposing human follies. English playwrights, like Shakespeare and Ben Jonson, excel in blending these two forms, creating plays that are both moving and enjoyable.
The Blending of Genres
Unlike French drama, which often keeps tragedy and comedy separate, English drama mixes them. This combination makes English plays more unpredictable and relatable. Neander sees this as a strength, arguing that life itself is a mixture of serious and humorous moments.
Shakespeare and Ben Jonson
One of the highlights ofAn Essay of Dramatic Poesyis Neander’s praise of Shakespeare and Ben Jonson. Shakespeare is celebrated for his natural genius, emotional depth, and ability to capture human nature. Although he sometimes ignored the unities, his plays resonate deeply with audiences. Ben Jonson, on the other hand, is admired for his careful craftsmanship, structured plots, and moral purpose. Dryden appreciates both, but he holds Shakespeare in higher regard for his creativity and universal appeal.
Critique of French Drama
While Lisideius admires French drama’s refinement, Neander criticizes its lack of variety and emotional engagement. French plays often avoid depicting violent or sensational events on stage, preferring to describe them through dialogue. Neander believes this limits their dramatic impact and makes them less engaging than English plays, which present events more vividly and directly.
The Role of Drama
Throughout the essay, Dryden presents drama as a mirror of life. Good drama should both entertain and instruct, holding a balance between artifice and truth. It should reflect human nature honestly, showing both virtues and flaws, and should move audiences emotionally while also appealing to their sense of reason.
Drama as Moral Instruction
By showing the consequences of actions, drama can teach moral lessons without being overly didactic. This makes it an effective form of moral and philosophical exploration, especially when done with skill and subtlety.
Dryden’s Own Position
Through Neander, Dryden makes it clear that he admires English drama most of all. He values its richness, variety, and ability to blend different styles. While he respects the discipline of French drama and the heritage of ancient works, he believes the English approach captures life more fully. For Dryden, breaking the rules is acceptable if it results in greater dramatic power and truthfulness.
Legacy and Influence
An Essay of Dramatic Poesyremains a cornerstone of English literary criticism. It not only reflects the literary debates of the 17th century but also sets the stage for later discussions about drama and artistic rules. Dryden’s balanced approach recognizing the strengths and weaknesses of different traditions offers valuable lessons for critics, playwrights, and students of literature.
Enduring Relevance
- Encourages flexibility in following artistic rules.
- Promotes a broad appreciation of diverse dramatic traditions.
- Highlights the importance of emotional engagement in storytelling.
John Dryden’sAn Essay of Dramatic Poesyis more than a defense of English drama; it is a celebration of the art form itself. By presenting multiple viewpoints through his four characters, Dryden captures the complexity of dramatic criticism. His recognition of both the value of rules and the necessity of creative freedom makes the essay timeless. Even today, it speaks to writers, directors, and audiences about what makes drama meaningful a blend of structure and spontaneity, tradition and innovation, intellect and emotion.