Dryden's Essay on Dramatic Poesy :

 

John Dryden was born on 19 August 1631 and died on 12 May 1700. He was an English poet and literary critic. He was a neoclassical poet and in the English tradition before Dryden Philip Sidney (1554-1568) was there. 

Dr. Samuel Johnson called Dryden 'the father of English criticism.' The definition of the play is the first word 'Image' second 'Just' and the third one 'Lively means " A just and lively image of human nature. He ended his definition of delight and instruction of mankind. 

The title of the essay is 'Of Dramatic Poesy' Dryden is a neoclassical poet. The climate of criticism changed with the arrival on the literary scene of such giants as Miguel De Cervantes, lope de Vega and Pedro Calderon in Spain. 

Dramatic poesy means the poetical art for drama. In which first was Philip Sidney then Horace and last Aristotle. The definition of play is "a play ought to be a just and lively image of human nature, representing his passions and humours and the changes of fortune to which it is subject, for the delight and instruction of mankind." In a nutshell, Dryden is saying that a play should be a vivid and accurate reflection of human nature, showcasing people's emotions, behaviours, and experiences. Its purpose is to both entertain and educate the audience.

If we discuss or argue in favour of the French play against English plays regarding specific elements like a portrayal of death, duel fights, and the use of multiple plot. French plays are characterized by a formal and stylized portrayal of death, regulated duel fights with blunted swords, and a preference for a single, unified plot. In contrast, English plays are known for their more dramatic and realistic depiction of death, intense and often realistic duel scenes, and the use of multiple plots to enrich the narrative.

Preference for Poetic vs. Prosaic Dialogue: I prefer poetic dialogue in a play because it can make the language more beautiful and memorable. It adds a special rhythm and emotion that makes the play more engaging and impactful.

References : 

ChatGPT." OpenAI, accessed 3 Aug. 2024, https://www.openai.com/.

---. “John Dryden | Biography, Poems, Plays, and Facts.” Encyclopedia Britannica, 15 Aug. 2024, www.britannica.com/biography/John-Dryden.www.britannica.com/biography/John-Dryden.

---. “1. Dryden as Father of English Criticism, Neo-Classical Critic and definition of Play.” YouTube, 23 June 2012, www.youtube.com/watch?v=eeevRKMgXDU.

---. “2. Dryden as a Critic and Title of the Essay.” YouTube, 1 July 2012, www.youtube.com/watch?v=jsxC8xzfWxk.