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.

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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 blends tragedy and comedy to present a more balanced and relatable portrayal of human experiences.

Comparison of Playwrights: He compares the works of Shakespeare with modern French playwrights like Pierre Corneille and Jean Racine, praising the emotional depth and creativity in English plays despite their divergence from classical norms.

Historical and Social Context

The essay was written during the Restoration Era (1660-1688), a time of cultural revival following the political turmoil of Oliver Cromwell's puritanical rule.

English drama flourished as the monarchy, under King Charles II, encouraged artistic exploration, contrasting with the French emphasis on strict adherence to neoclassical ideals.

French Influence: Neoclassical principles, inspired by Aristotle, dominated French theatre, emphasizing rules like the unities for coherence and logical storytelling.

Dryden’s Arguments and Perspectives

1. Diversity in Drama

Dryden praises English theatre for embracing multiple genres, such as tragedy, comedy, masque, and tragicomedy, offering a rich variety for audiences.

2. The Unities

Dryden critiques the strict adherence to the unities of time, place, and action, arguing for a broader scope in storytelling to enhance creativity and narrative depth.

He believes dramatic works can span more time and occur in diverse settings without losing coherence, enriching the theatrical experience.

3. Preference for Verse

Dryden favors the use of verse for its rhythmic elegance and ability to convey elevated emotions, particularly in tragedies.

However, he also acknowledges the effectiveness of prose in comedies, where natural dialogue can better depict everyday life.

4. Shakespeare’s Brilliance

While Dryden critiques Shakespeare for disregarding the unities and indulging in excessive wordplay, he recognizes Shakespeare's unparalleled ability to evoke emotions and explore universal themes.

5. Tragicomedy

Dryden appreciates tragicomedy for its ability to blend elements of sorrow and humor, creating a more authentic reflection of human life compared to pure tragedy.

Character Perspectives

1. Eugenius

Represents Dryden’s voice and advocates for the freedom and creativity in English drama, opposing the rigid French traditions.

2. Crites

Embodies the perspective of Sir Robert Howard and critiques English drama for its perceived lack of structure, favoring the French neoclassical approach.

3. Lisideius

Champions the French tradition, extolling its adherence to Aristotelian unities and structured elegance.

4. Neander

Represents Sir William Davenant, advocating for a balanced approach that appreciates the strengths of both French and English dramatic traditions.

Comparing English and French Traditions

1. Freedom versus Restriction

English drama is celebrated for its creative liberties and emotional authenticity, contrasting with the French focus on order and precision.

2. Emotional Depth

Dryden highlights the English theatre's ability to evoke a broader range of emotions by blending tragic and comic elements.

3. Naturalism

English playwrights are praised for their realistic depiction of human nature, whereas French plays often prioritize idealized characters and scenarios.

Conclusion

Dryden's "An Essay of Dramatic Poesy" defends the artistic value of English drama, emphasizing its diversity, emotional depth, and innovative spirit.

The essay reflects the dynamic debates of the Restoration Era and remains a cornerstone of English literary criticism, showcasing the evolving perspectives on dramatic art.