Dryden's Essay on Dramatic Poesy

Dryden's Essay on Dramatic Poesy

This blog is written as a task assigned by the head of the Department of English (MKBU), Prof. and Dr. Dilip Barad Sir. Here is the link to the professor's research article for background reading: Click Here

1.Discuss any differences you observe between Aristotle's definition of Tragedy and Dryden's definition of Play.

Aristotle’s Definition of Tragedy:

What Aristotle Said:

• Tragedy is an imitation of an action.
• It should be serious and complete in itself.
• The language used should arouse pity and fear in the audience.
• Tragedy aims to achieve catharsis, which means purging or cleansing of emotions.

Example:

Think of Shakespeare’s “Hamlet.” The play follows a tragic hero’s journey, evoking emotions like pity and fear as we witness Hamlet’s internal struggles and ultimate downfall.

Dryden’s Definition of Play:

What Dryden Said:

• A play is a lively representation of human nature.

• It depicts changes in people’s fortunes.

• Plays should both delight and instruct the audience.

Example:

Consider Oscar Wilde’s comedy “The Importance of Being Earnest.” It humorously portrays societal norms and human foibles while entertaining us.

In summary, Aristotle emphasized emotional impact and catharsis in tragedy, while Dryden highlighted entertainment and moral lessons in plays. Their differing perspectives reflect the evolution of dramatic theory across different historical periods.

2.If you were to express your personal preference, would you side with the Ancients or the Moderns? Provide reasons for your choice.

Personal Preference: I appreciate both perspectives. However, if I had to choose, I’d lean toward the Ancients (Aristotle’s view). Here’s why:

Emotional Depth: Aristotle’s emphasis on evoking pity and fear resonates with me. Tragedies allow us to explore profound emotions and reflect on the human condition.

Catharsis: The idea of catharsis—purging emotions through art—is powerful. It provides a sense of release and understanding.

Serious Themes: Serious themes in tragedy often lead to introspection and empathy.

Language: The skillful use of language to evoke emotions adds depth to the experience.

Structured Plot: The emphasis on a well-structured plot with a clear beginning, middle, and end ensures a cohesive and impactful story.

Moral Lessons: The tragic hero’s journey often imparts significant moral lessons, making the experience both educational and reflective.

While Dryden’s focus on entertainment and instruction is valuable, I find the emotional impact of tragedy more compelling. Ultimately, both approaches contribute to the richness of dramatic literature! 

 3.Evaluate whether the arguments presented in favour of French plays and against English plays are appropriate. For example, consider the portrayal of death, duel fights with blunted swords, the representation of large armies by a few actors, the mingling of mirth and serious tones, and the use of multiple plots.

 Portrayal of Death

French Plays: In French classical drama, death is often reported rather than shown. For example, in Pierre Corneille’s play “Le Cid,” the death of Don Rodrigue’s father is described by other characters rather than depicted on stage.

English Plays: In contrast, English plays frequently show death scenes. For instance, in Shakespeare’s “Macbeth,” the death of King Duncan is a pivotal moment that is described in vivid detail by Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, and the aftermath is shown on stage.

Evaluation: Dryden appreciates the French restraint, which maintains decorum, but he also acknowledges the dramatic impact of the English approach, which can be more engaging for the audience.

 Duel Fights with Blunted Swords

French Plays: French dramatists often depict duels in a stylized manner. In Corneille’s “Le Cid,” the duel between Don Rodrigue and Don Sanche is described rather than shown, maintaining a sense of elegance and avoiding graphic violence.

English Plays: English plays, like Shakespeare’s “Hamlet,” show duels more realistically. The duel between Hamlet and Laertes is intense and ends in multiple deaths, adding to the drama and tension of the play.

Evaluation: Dryden admires the French elegance but also sees the value in the English realism, which can heighten the dramatic effect.

 Representation of Large Armies by a Few Actors

French Plays: French dramatists often use a few actors to represent large armies. In Racine’s “Phèdre,” the presence of armies is suggested through dialogue and the reactions of characters rather than shown directly.

English Plays: English plays, like Shakespeare’s “Henry V,” use a few actors but employ more elaborate staging and dialogue to create the illusion of a larger force. The Chorus in “Henry V” asks the audience to imagine the vast armies, enhancing the immersive experience.

Evaluation: Dryden appreciates the French subtlety but also values the English creativity in staging, which can make the scene more vivid for the audience.

 Mingling of Mirth and Serious Tones

French Plays: French drama tends to keep comedy and tragedy separate. In Racine’s “Andromaque,” the tone remains consistently serious and tragic throughout the play.

English Plays: English plays often mix serious and comic elements. For example, in “Hamlet,” the gravedigger scene provides comic relief amidst the tragedy, adding depth to the emotional experience.

Evaluation: Dryden sees merit in both approaches. The French consistency maintains a sophisticated tone, while the English mixture of tones reflects the complexity of real life and adds richness to the narrative.

 Use of Multiple Plots

French Plays: French dramatists typically focus on a single, unified plot. In Racine’s “Phèdre,” the story revolves around the central conflict of Phèdre’s forbidden love, maintaining clarity and focus.

English Plays: English plays often feature multiple plots and subplots. For instance, in “King Lear,” the main plot of Lear and his daughters is complemented by the subplot involving Gloucester and his sons, adding layers to the narrative.

Evaluation: Dryden appreciates the clarity of the French single plot but also values the complexity and richness of the English multiple plots, which provide a more intricate and layered story.

Conclusion

Dryden presents a balanced view, recognizing the strengths and weaknesses of both French and English plays. He appreciates the French refinement and adherence to classical rules but also values the English dynamism and emotional engagement. His arguments highlight the different artistic philosophies and cultural contexts that shape these two dramatic traditions.