- About the author: John Dryden (1631-1700) was an English poet, playwright, critic, and

translator who dominated the literary scene of the Restoration period. He was appointed the
first Poet Laureate of England in 1668 and wrote influential works in various genres and
forms. He is considered the father of English literary criticism and the greatest poet of the
late 17th century. ¹²
- Background of the text: An Essay of Dramatic Poesy was probably written in 1666, during
the closure of the London theatres due to the plague. It is a dialogue among four friends who
debate the merits of ancient and modern drama, as well as the rules and principles of
dramatic art. The four speakers are Eugenius, Crites, Lisideius, and Neander, who represent
actual Restoration critics and dramatists, and the last of whom speaks for Dryden himself.
The dialogue is set on a barge on the Thames river, where the friends have taken refuge
during a naval battle between the English and the Dutch fleets. ¹²
- Summary with major quotations: The essay begins with a short introduction, where Dryden
announces his intention to examine the state of contemporary drama and to answer the
criticisms of his detractors. He also praises the English for their courage and loyalty in the
war against the Dutch. Then he introduces the four speakers and their respective positions.
Eugenius is a champion of the moderns, Crites is a defender of the ancients, Lisideius is an
admirer of the French drama, and Neander is a supporter of the English drama. The essay is
divided into five parts, each corresponding to a topic of discussion:

- The first part deals with the definition and purpose of drama. Lisideius proposes that
drama is "a just and lively image of human nature, representing its passions and humours,
and the changes of fortune to which it is subject; for the delight and instruction of mankind." ²
Crites agrees with this definition, but adds that drama should also imitate nature in its
manner, and follow the rules and unities prescribed by the ancients. Eugenius objects to this,
arguing that the moderns have improved upon the ancients in both the choice and the
execution of their plots. He also criticises the ancients for their lack of originality, poetic
justice, and passion. Neander concurs with Eugenius, and asserts that the aim of drama is
not only to instruct, but also to please and move the audience.
- The second part focuses on the comparison between the ancients and the moderns.
Crites defends the superiority of the ancients, citing their skill in language, characters, and
sentiments. He praises the works of Homer, Virgil, Horace, Aristotle, and others, and claims
that the moderns are mere imitators of them. He also accuses the moderns of violating the
rules of decorum, mixing genres, and introducing absurdities and incongruities in their plays.
Eugenius counters Crites by pointing out the faults and limitations of the ancients, such as
their use of worn-out myths, their disregard of place and time, their lack of variety and
humour, and their failure to represent the manners and customs of their own age. He also
praises the moderns for their invention, diversity, and refinement, and names some of the
best writers of France, Italy, and Spain, such as Corneille, Racine, Tasso, and Cervantes.
- The third part deals with the comparison between the French and the English drama.
Lisideius praises the French for their adherence to the classical rules and unities, their
regularity and correctness, their decorum and verisimilitude, and their elegance and polish.
He also criticizes the English for their negligence and irregularity, their mixture of comedy
and tragedy, their multiplicity and confusion of plots and characters, and their coarseness
and vulgarity. He cites some examples of the best and the worst plays of both nations, such
as The Cid and The Maid's Tragedy. Neander defends the English drama against Lisideius,
arguing that the French drama is too confined and constrained by the rules, and that it
sacrifices the beauty and variety of nature to the uniformity and simplicity of art. He also
argues that the English drama is more lively and spirited, more pleasing and moving, more
natural and probable, and more suitable and instructive than the French drama. He cites
some examples of the excellence and originality of the English playwrights, such as
Shakespeare, Jonson, Fletcher, and Beaumont.
- The fourth part deals with the question of rhyme in drama. Lisideius and Crites both
oppose the use of rhyme, claiming that it is unnatural, artificial, and tedious, and that it
hinders the expression and the movement of the dialogue. They also appeal to the authority
of the ancients, who wrote their plays in blank verse or prose. Neander supports the use of
rhyme, arguing that it is natural, graceful, and harmonious, and that it enhances the beauty
and the force of the language. He also contends that the ancients used rhyme in some of
their plays, and that the moderns have refined and perfected it. He gives some rules and
examples of good and bad rhyme, and praises Dryden himself as the best practitioner of it.
- The fifth and final part is a short conclusion, where Neander sums up his arguments and
expresses his hope that the English drama will continue to flourish and improve. He also
pays tribute to the English navy and the king, and invites his friends to join him in a toast.
The essay ends with the four speakers going their separate ways, after having spent a
pleasant and instructive evening.

- Critical analysis: An Essay of Dramatic Poesy is a landmark of English literary criticism and
one of the first and most important works of neoclassicism. It is a dialogue in the Platonic
tradition, which presents various perspectives and arguments on the nature, function, and
value of drama and poetry. It is also a defence of Dryden's own dramatic practice and a
response to the criticisms of his rivals and detractors. The essay reflects the tastes and
opinions of the Restoration period, which favoured the classical rules and models, the
French drama, and the use of rhyme. It also shows Dryden's mastery of the English
language, his skill in reasoning and persuasion, and his wit and humour. The essay is not a
dogmatic or a prescriptive treatise, but rather a lively and balanced discussion that invites
the reader to form his or her own judgement. It is also a valuable source of information and
insight into the literary and theatrical scene of the late 17th century.
- Personal commentary and conclusion: I find An Essay of Dramatic Poesy to be an
engaging and enlightening work, which demonstrates Dryden's erudition and eloquence, as
well as his passion and enthusiasm for drama and poetry. I admire his ability to present
different viewpoints and arguments with clarity and fairness, and to support his own position
with evidence and examples. I also enjoy his style and tone, which are lively and elegant,
witty and courteous, and sometimes ironic and satirical. I think that the essay is not only a
historical document, but also a timeless and universal reflection on the art and the craft of
writing and performing drama and poetry. I agree with some of his opinions, such as his
preference for variety and verisimilitude over regularity and correctness, his admiration for
Shakespeare and Jonson, and his defense of rhyme. I disagree with some of his opinions,
such as his disregard for the unities of time and place, his rejection of the mixture of comedy
and tragedy, and his criticism of the ancients. I think that the essay is a valuable and
enjoyable work, which deserves to be read and studied by anyone who is interested in
literature and criticism.

- Work citations: Here are some of the sources that I used to write this summary:
 - ¹ John Dryden | Biography, Poems, Plays, & Facts | Britannica
- ² An Essay of Dramatic Poesy by John Dryden | Poetry Foundation
- ³ An Essay of Dramatic Poesy Summary - [Link]
- ⁴ An Essay of Dramatic Poesy Summary by John Dryden
- ⁵ TOP 25 QUOTES BY JOHN DRYDEN (of 480) | A-Z Quotes
- ⁶ An Essay of Dramatic Poesy Important Quotes | SuperSummary
- ⁷ AN ESSAY OF DRAMATIC POESY DRYDEN - P-UP
- ⁸ John Dryden - Wikipedia
- ⁹ John Dryden Biography | List of Works, Study Guides & Essays
- [^10^] John F. Dryden - Wikipedia

John Dryden | Biography, Poems, Plays, & Facts | Britannica.