An Essay of Dramatic Poesy by Dryden: Summary & Key Points

An Essay of Dramatic Poesy by Dryden: Summary & Key Points
Introduction John Dryden wrote "An Essay of Dramatic Poesy" in 1668 to explore and defend the qualities of English drama against the rigid guidelines of French neoclassicism . The essay is structured as a lively conversation among four characters: Eugenius , Crites , Lisideius , and Neander , who represent different perspectives on dramatic poetry. These characters debate the value and form of English theatre , its creative liberties, and its distinction from French traditions. Key Themes in the Essay Diversity and Freedom: Dryden defends English drama for its flexibility and diversity, contrasting it with the restrictive nature of French plays that strictly follow the unities of time, place, and action . Verse versus Prose: He argues for the use of verse in drama, particularly in tragedies, for its sophistication and emotional resonance, while acknowledging the value of prose in comedies for its natural depiction of daily life. Tragicomedy: Dryden supports the genre of tragicomedy , which…

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