Dryden's Essay Of Dramatick Poesie

Here, I am discussing some points of Dryden's essay of Dramatic poesy.

• Do you any difference between Aristotle's definition of Tragedy and Dryden's definition of Play?

yes, I find there is difference between both the definitions.  Aristotle defined tragedy as “the imitation of  an action that is serious and also, as having magnitude , complete in itself, ” in the medium of poetic  language, and in the manner of dramatic rather than narrative presentation , incorporating “ incidents arousing pity and fear, wherewith to accomplish the catharsis of such emotions .” so it is natural pleasure in imitation , which is born instinct in men .

Dryden’s definition of Play;

           “Just and lively image of human nature , representing its passion and humorous and the change of fortune to which it is subject, for the  delight and instruction of mankind”

In Aristotle’s definition manner of imitation should be action , not narration as in epic, for it is meant to be dramatic representation , not mere storytelling, in  the case of Dryden , it is not slavish imitation , but imaginative creation that Dryden means by ‘Just’ and ‘ Lively’ image of human nature .

• If you are supposed to give your personal predilection, would you be on the side of the Ancient or the Modern? Please give reasons.

In my opinion Ancient Literature is better than the Modern. the Superiority of Ancients is established by the very fact that  the moderns simply imitate  them, and build on foundations  laid by them. the Ancients are the acknowledge models of the Moderns . Ancients closely observed Nature and faithfully represented their work.  here I would like to  add  that , Ben Johnson , had great admiration for the ancients , he imitated and borrowed heavily from them .

• Do you think that the arguments presented in favour of the French plays and against English plays are appropriate?

 No I am not in the favour of French plays as I love English plays which represents both side of real life like full of happiness and full of sorrows .English plays are full of entertainment and offer an element of surprise which French do not present .If Shakespeare follows the rules of play ,we can not get the great dramatist like him and his great works. Hamlet is the play which has shown death on stage, dual fight and multiple plots still it is famous in whole a world which proves that English plays are best.

• What would be your preference so far as poetic or prosaic dialogues are concerned in the play? 

 I would like to go with prosaic dialogues in the play because it would be untestable for common reader .Poetic dialogues are very hard for common reader to understand.