Comparison of Dryden with Aristotle and Dryden with Pope


John Dryden and Aristotle: A Comparison

1. View of Drama and Poetry

Aristotle

  • Defines tragedy as an imitation (mimesis) of a serious action.
  • Emphasizes plot as the soul of tragedy.
  • Focuses on structure and emotional effect (catharsis).

Dryden

  • Defines drama as “a just and lively imitation of human nature.”
  • Emphasizes both plot and character.
  • Stresses moral instruction along with pleasure.

➡️ Similarity: Both see drama as imitation of life.
➡️ Difference: Aristotle is more structural; Dryden is more human-centered and practical.

2. Purpose of Literature

Aristotle

  • Tragedy produces catharsis (pity and fear).
  • Art refines emotions and provides intellectual pleasure.

Dryden

  • Literature should both delight and instruct.
  • Adds a stronger moral and social function.

➡️ Dryden expands Aristotle’s emotional aim into a moral one.

3. The Three Unities

Aristotle

  • Clearly emphasizes unity of action.
  • Mentions time and place indirectly.

Dryden

  • Accepts the unities as useful.
  • Rejects rigid obedience.
  • Believes rules should follow nature.

➡️ Aristotle provides theory; Dryden adapts it flexibly to theater practice.

4. Characters and Realism

Aristotle

  • Characters are secondary to plot.
  • Should be consistent and appropriate.

Dryden

  • Gives greater importance to psychological realism.
  • Praises modern drama for complex characters.

5. Method of Criticism

Aristotle

  • Scientific and analytical.
  • Uses definitions and classification.

Dryden

  • Dialogic and comparative.
  • Uses reason, history, and experience.

 

Dryden and  Pope: A Comparison

 

1. Nature as Standard

Dryden

  • Believes art should follow nature.
  • Nature = human life and emotions.

Pope (An Essay on Criticism)

  • “First follow Nature.”
  • Nature = universal order and reason.

➡️ Both accept Nature as supreme authority.

 

2. Rules and Classical Tradition

Dryden

  • Respects rules but allows freedom.
  • Defends rule-breaking genius (Shakespeare).

Pope

  • Strong supporter of classical rules.
  • Believes true wit follows classical models.

➡️ Dryden = flexible classicist
➡️ Pope = strict neoclassicist

 

 

 

 

3. View of Genius

Dryden

  • Natural talent is superior to artificial correctness.
  • Praises Shakespeare despite faults.

Pope

  • Genius must be disciplined by judgment.
  • Warns against uncontrolled imagination.

 

4. Purpose of Criticism

Dryden

  • To analyze drama fairly and practically.
  • Uses comparison and debate.

Pope

  • To correct false taste.
  • Teaches critics how to judge properly.

5. Tone and Style

Dryden

  • Prose, dialogue, balanced.

Pope

  • Poetry (heroic couplets), satirical and didactic.


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