Wordsworth: The Poet of Nature and Human Soul

      Why Wordsworth still speaks to the Modern Reader?

This blog is written as a task assigned by the Head of the Department, Prof. Dilip Barad Sir, MKBU.

For further details click here 

Introduction :-

“Wordsworth and the Birth of Romantic Literature.”

William Wordsworth was a Romantic poet who celebrated nature, emotion, and ordinary life, co-launched Lyrical Ballads in 1798, and believed nature was a spiritual guide shaping human thought and feeling.

William Wordsworth (1770–1850) was a foundational figure in English Romantic poetry, celebrated for his deep reverence for nature and his belief in its power to elevate the human spirit. Alongside Samuel Taylor Coleridge, he launched the Romantic movement with Lyrical Ballads (1798), advocating for poetry written in everyday language that expressed genuine emotion. His work often explores themes of memory, childhood, and the spiritual connection between humans and the natural world. Poems like I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud and Tintern Abbey exemplify his lyrical style and philosophical depth. Wordsworth saw nature not just as scenery but as a moral and emotional teacher, shaping the soul and imagination.

What is Classicism and Romanticism?

Classicism

Classicism in literature and art refers to the style and principles inspired by the culture of ancient Greece and Rome. It values order, harmony, balance, clarity, and reason.

Classicism → order, reason, balance, harmony, rules, imitation of Greek & Roman ideals.

Romanticism

Romanticism arose in the late 18th century as a reaction against Classicism. Instead of reason and order, Romanticism celebrated imagination, emotion, individuality, and a deep connection with nature.

Romanticism → imagination, emotion, freedom, individuality, love of nature, creativity.

Wordsworth as a Romantic Poet

William Wordsworth (1770–1850) is considered one of the greatest Romantic poets in English literature and a founding figure of the Romantic Movement. His poetry reflects the main ideals of Romanticism—nature, imagination, emotions, simplicity of language,

Here’s an overview of Wordsworth as a Romantic poet:

1. Worship of Nature

2. Emphasis on Emotion and Imagination

3. Love for the Common Man and Rural Life

4. Simplicity of Style and Language

5. Individualism and Subjectivity

According to Wordsworth what is What is Poet? rather than who is Poet.

Wordsworth explains this mainly in his Preface to Lyrical Ballads (1802).

According to Wordsworth, a Poet is:

1. A Man Speaking to Men

A poet is not a superior being, but “a man speaking to men” who shares the same feelings as everyone else.

The difference is that the poet has a more sensitive and powerful perception of life.

2. Endowed with a Greater Sensibility

A poet has a greater readiness to feel emotions and a greater ability to express them.

He is “endowed with a more lively sensibility, more enthusiasm and tenderness.”

3. Possessor of Imagination

A poet’s imagination allows him to see the extraordinary in the ordinary and to shape emotions into beautiful forms.

4. One Who Recollects Emotions in Tranquility

Poetry originates from intense emotions, but the poet recollects and reflects upon them in a calm state of mind before expressing them.

5. A Teacher and Moral Guide

The poet’s purpose is to give “immediate pleasure” but also to trace the universal and permanent elements of human nature, elevating the minds of readers.

What is Poetic Diction?

Poetic Diction in Lyrical Ballads

When Wordsworth and Coleridge published Lyrical Ballads (1798), they rebelled against the old idea of “poetic diction.”

Earlier Idea of Poetic Diction (18th Century)

Poetry was thought to need lofty, ornamental, and artificial language.

Poets used “grand words” not used in everyday speech.

Example: instead of saying “fish,” they’d say “the finny tribe.”

Wordsworth’s View in Preface to Lyrical Ballads

Poetry should use the “real language of men.”

He rejected flowery, artificial words.

True poetry = simple language + deep feelings.

He believed ordinary rustic life expressed emotions more genuinely.

His Definition:

Poetry is the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings; it takes its origin from emotion recollected in tranquillity.

Wordsworth’s Poetic Philosophy:-

Wordsworth believed poetry should be simple in language, humble in subject, emotional in essence, imaginative in expression, and morally uplifting.

Daffodils a great poetry by Wordsworth:

Summary of Daffodils:-

The poem “Daffodils” (also called “I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud”) describes how the poet, while walking alone, suddenly sees a large number of golden daffodils beside a lake. Their beauty and lively movement, like stars in the sky, fill him with joy and wonder. Though the moment passes, the memory of the daffodils remains in his heart. Later, when he feels lonely or sad, recalling the scene gives him peace, happiness, and inspiration.

Themes in Daffodils:-

1. Nature’s Beauty –

 The daffodils represent the charm, simplicity, and glory of the natural world.

2. Joy & Inspiration – 

Nature gives spiritual joy, uplifting the human heart and mind.

3. Memory & Imagination – 

Even after the moment is gone, the memory of the flowers continues to inspire the poet.

4. Solitude & Peace – 

In lonely times, recollecting nature brings comfort and inner calm.

5. Romanticism – 

Emphasis on emotions, imagination, and the bond between man and nature.

Wordsworth describes a poet as a man speaking to men :-

Wordsworth’s Idea of a Poet

A poet is “a man speaking to men” – not someone above ordinary people, but one who shares the same human feelings and language.

The only difference is that a poet has a greater sensitivity, imagination, and emotional depth than common men.

The poet’s task is to use simple and natural language (the language of common people) to express universal emotions in a beautiful way.

A poet is like a teacher and interpreter of nature and life, showing how ordinary experiences can carry deep meaning.

Good poetry is the Spontaneous Overflow of Powerful feelings :-

Wordsworth’s famous statement that “Good poetry is the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings, recollected in tranquility” can be directly understood through his poem Daffodils.

In “I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud”, Wordsworth describes a simple experience—coming across a field of golden daffodils. At first, the sight gives him joy and fills his heart with delight. But the true poetic value emerges later: when he is alone, lying on his couch in a quiet mood, the memory of the daffodils returns to him and overflows into powerful feelings of peace, joy, and inspiration.

Thus, the poem is not just about flowers but about how nature stirs human emotions. The initial joy (the spontaneous feeling) is recollected later in tranquility, and this recollection transforms into poetry.

 So, Daffodils perfectly illustrates Wordsworth’s idea:

The sight of daffodils = powerful feeling

Remembering them in solitude = recollection in tranquility

Writing the poem = poetry as spontaneous overflow

Conclusion:-

Wordsworth believed that good poetry is the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings, recollected in tranquility. His poem Daffodils is the best example of this idea. The sight of the golden flowers filled the poet’s heart with joy and excitement. Later, when he was alone and thoughtful, the memory of the daffodils returned to him with the same powerful emotions. This recollection gave birth to the poem, turning simple experience into deep poetry. Thus, Daffodils shows how nature, memory, and emotion combine in Wordsworth’s romantic vision of poetry.

References :-

-Preface to the Lyrical Ballads https://www.researchgate.net/publication/374166117

- short learning videos on Wordsworth 's Preface to lyrical ballads https://blog.dilipbarad.com/2014/09/short-learning-video-on-wordsworths.html?m=1

Politics in Poetry : John Dryden 's Absalom and Achitophel

      Dryden 's Masterpiece of Political Satire :

this blog task is assigned by Head of the Department, and Prof. Dilip Barad Sir, Department of English, MKBU. for further details click here.

Introduction of John Dryden : 

John Dryden (1631–1700) was a towering figure of Restoration literature, widely regarded as the father of English literary criticism and a master of the heroic couplet. As Poet Laureate and a prolific writer, he shaped the political and poetic voice of his era through satirical masterpieces like Absalom and Achitophel, religious allegories such as The Hind and the Panther, and influential critical works like An Essay of Dramatic Poesy. His translations of classical authors, particularly Virgil’s Aeneid, helped bring ancient texts into vigorous, accessible English. Dryden's stylistic precision, intellectual depth, and adaptability to shifting political tides not only defined 17th-century English literature but also laid the foundation for the neoclassical ideals that would dominate the 18th century.
            
Absalom and Achitophel by John Dryden is a famous political satire written in heroic couplets and first published in 1681. It’s widely regarded as Dryden’s greatest poetic achievement and a landmark in English political literature.                                                      

Summary of  Absolam and Achitophel :

Absalom and Achitophel is a satirical poem by John Dryden that uses a biblical allegory to comment on the political crisis of 17th-century England, specifically the Exclusion Crisis. The poem retells the story of King David and his rebellious son Absalom, paralleling it with King Charles II and his illegitimate son, the Duke of Monmouth. Absalom is persuaded by the cunning Achitophel (representing the Earl of Shaftesbury) to rebel against David’s rightful rule. Dryden portrays David (Charles II) as a wise and patient king, while Achitophel is a manipulative schemer stirring unrest for personal gain. Through this allegory, Dryden criticizes the Whigs’ attempts to exclude the Catholic heir from the throne and defends the divine right and legitimacy of hereditary monarchy. The poem blends political commentary, satire, and poetry to warn against rebellion and political factionalism, emphasizing loyalty and order.
                                                                                                             Historical Background of Absalom and Achitophel :

1.The Exclusion Crisis (1679–1681)

it was a major political conflict in England during the reign of King Charles II, centered around the issue of whether his Catholic brother, James, Duke of York (later James II), should be allowed to inherit the throne.
Context:
In 1673, James publicly converted to Catholicism, alarming many in a predominantly Protestant England.
Anti-Catholic sentiment had been stoked by the Popish Plot (1678), a fabricated conspiracy claiming that Catholics planned to assassinate Charles II.
This led to widespread panic and persecution of Catholics, setting the stage for the Exclusion Crisis .

2. The Popish Plot (1678)

it was a fabricated Catholic conspiracy invented by a man named Titus Oates, claiming there was a plan to assassinate King Charles II and replace him with his Catholic brother, James, Duke of York. Though completely false, it triggered mass anti-Catholic hysteria and had deadly consequences.

King Charles II was Anglican, but his brother and heir, James, Duke of York, was openly Catholic, raising public fears of a Catholic monarch.
in the 17th century was deeply Protestant and anti-Catholic due to events like the Reformation, the Gunpowder Plot (1605), and ongoing tensions with Catholic powers like France and Spain.

3.The Monmouth Rebellion (1685) 

It was a failed uprising against King James II, led by his illegitimate Protestant nephew, James Scott, Duke of Monmouth. It was an attempt to overthrow a Catholic king and replace him with a Protestant alternative, reflecting deep religious and political tensions in post-Restoration England.

Background:

His brother, James, Duke of York, a Catholic, became King James II.

Many in England feared a return to Catholic absolutism.

James Scott, Duke of Monmouth, was Charles II’s illegitimate (but Protestant) son and had popular support among Whigs and dissenters.
Charles II died in 1685 without a legitimate heir.

King David represents King Charles II

Absalom represents James Scott, Duke of Monmouth.

Achitophel represents Anthony Ashley Cooper, Earl of Shaftesbury, a leading Whig politician who pushed for the Exclusion Bill to exclude the Catholic Duke of York from succession.The poem uses the biblical story of Absalom’s rebellion against King David as an allegory for contemporary English politics.                                                                               

King David represents King Charles II

Absalom represents James Scott, Duke of Monmouth.

Achitophel represents Anthony Ashley Cooper, Earl of Shaftesbury, a leading Whig politician who pushed for the Exclusion Bill to exclude the Catholic Duke of York from succession.The poem uses the biblical story of Absalom’s rebellion against King David as an allegory for contemporary English politics.                                                                                                                                             

The Allegorical Biblical Foundation of Absalom and Achitophel

John Dryden’s poem is based on a story from the Bible, specifically from 2 Samuel chapters 13 to 19. This biblical narrative provides the framework and characters Dryden uses as an allegory for the political events of his time.

The Biblical Story (2 Samuel 13–19)
Absalom becomes discontented with his father’s rule and, encouraged by his advisor and counselor Achitophel, plots to revolt against King David.

Achitophel is portrayed as a cunning and manipulative figure who persuades Absalom to rebel and try to seize the throne.

The rebellion causes civil strife, but ultimately David’s loyalists defeat Absalom’s forces, and Absalom dies tragically.
The story is a cautionary tale about ambition, betrayal, and the dangers of rebellion against rightful authority.

Absalom as Monmouth

In John Dryden’s Absalom and Achitophel:

Achitophel represents Anthony Ashley Cooper, Earl of Shaftesbury, a leading Whig politician and fierce anti-Catholic campaigner.
Shaftesbury was a central figure in the Exclusion Crisis (1679–1681), pushing to exclude James, Duke of York (a Catholic), from the royal succession.
In Dryden’s poem, Absalom symbolizes James Scott, Duke of Monmouth, the illegitimate yet Protestant son of King Charles II.
Absalom, in the biblical story, is King David’s handsome, charismatic, but rebellious son who challenges his father’s rule.
Like Absalom, Monmouth was popular among many Protestants who opposed the Catholic Duke of York (later James II).
Monmouth’s claim to the throne was contested and politically charged, as he was not the legitimate heir but seen by some as a preferable Protestant alternative to James II

The poem explores Monmouth’s ambition and the political dangers of rebellion, portraying him as a figure both admired and manipulated.

Achitophel as Shaftesbury

He strongly supported Monmouth (Absalom) as a Protestant alternative to the Catholicism. In the poem, Achitophel is portrayed as a skilled and manipulative advisor who betrays King David (a metaphor for Charles II) by influencing his son, Absalom (who symbolizes the rebellious figure of the Duke of Monmouth). Shebbelbury, in this case, represents the dangerous ambition and political machinations of those who are manipulating events from the sidelines.                                                                                              

David as Charles II 

In John Dryden’s Absalom and Achitophel:

King David (from the Bible) symbolizes King Charles II of England.

Like David, Charles II is portrayed as a wise, forgiving, and legitimate ruler, who faces rebellion from within his own family.

David’s love for his rebellious son Absalom mirrors Charles II’s affection for his illegitimate son, the Duke of Monmouth.

Despite Monmouth’s (Absalom’s) betrayal, Dryden shows Charles (David) as merciful, reluctant to punish his son harshly, and committed to peace and stability.                                                                                                                                                                                                     Themes :  

Politics, Allegory, and Satire in Absalom and Achitophel :  

1.Politics:

Dryden, a royalist and supporter of King Charles II, uses the poem to criticize the Whigs, who were pushing for exclusion.

The poem defends the hereditary monarchy and promotes loyalty to the legitimate king.

It warns against political factionalism, rebellion, and the ambition of politicians who exploit public fear for personal gain.                                                                                                                                       2. Allegory :                                                         

 John Dryden uses allegory in Absalom and Achitophel to present a political crisis through a biblical lens, allowing him to safely critique and defend real historical figures under the cover of religious storytelling. The poem is based on the biblical story of King David and his rebellious son Absalom (2 Samuel 13–19), which Dryden uses to represent the political tension surrounding the Exclusion Crisis. In this allegory, King David stands for Charles II, the reigning monarch, while Absalom represents the Duke of Monmouth, Charles’s illegitimate but Protestant son, who was seen by many as an alternative heir to the Catholic James, Duke of York.

3.Satire

Dryden uses satire—sharp, witty, and often cutting language—to mock and expose his political opponents, especially the Whigs.

Achitophel is satirized as intelligent but dangerously ambitious, more concerned with personal power than public good.

Dryden's satire isn’t crude—it’s elevated and poetic, making it more persuasive and powerful for educated audiences of the time.

God, Religion, and the Divine Right of Kings 

The concept of God, Religion, and the Divine Right of Kings is central to the political and religious debates of the early modern period, particularly in Europe. In the context of John Dryden's Absalom and Achitophel, these ideas are critical for understanding the monarchy and its legitimacy.

Divine Right of Kings

The Divine Right of Kings was a political doctrine that asserted that monarchs derive their authority directly from God, rather than from the consent of the people or any earthly authority (like parliament). This idea was especially popular in England during the reign of King James I and his son, King Charles I, and it justified their absolute rule.

Biblical foundation: Monarchs were seen as God's appointed rulers, and questioning or resisting their authority was considered a rebellion against God's will.

Political implication: This belief led to absolutism in monarchy, where the king's decisions were beyond question because they were viewed as divinely ordained.

     

Legacy and Influence :   

John Dryden’s Absalom and Achitophel is a powerful example of political satire, using wit, irony, and biblical allegory to critique the political turmoil of 17th-century England. Written during the Exclusion Crisis, the poem attacks the Whig party’s attempt to exclude the Catholic Duke of York from the line of succession, portraying their actions as dangerously ambitious and hypocritical. Through the characters of Absalom (the Duke of Monmouth) and Achitophel (the Earl of Shaftesbury), Dryden mocks those who stir rebellion under the guise of patriotism and religious zeal. Achitophel, in particular, is satirized as a cunning manipulator who exploits public fear for personal power. Dryden uses elevated poetic language and classical references not just to entertain, but to expose political opportunism and defend the authority of King Charles II. The poem’s satire lies in its sharp contrast between the noble image its subjects project and the self-serving motives Dryden reveals beneath, making it both a literary masterpiece and a biting political commentary.

Character List

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1. Absalom

Absalom is portrayed as a handsome, charismatic, and popular figure, much like the biblical son of King David on whom he is based. In Dryden’s poem, Absalom symbolizes the Duke of Monmouth, King Charles II’s illegitimate but Protestant son. Despite his charm and the affection he receives from the public and his father, Absalom is shown to be naïve and easily influenced, particularly by the manipulative Achitophel, who encourages him to rebel. His ambition to claim the throne blinds him to his duty and loyalty to the king. Although Absalom’s rebellion appears to stem from a desire for justice and religious freedom (Protestantism over Catholicism), Dryden ultimately presents him as a tragic figure—misled, ambitious, and ultimately doomed. His character evokes sympathy but also serves as a warning about the dangers of ambition unchecked by wisdom and loyalty.

Achitophel 

Achitophel represents Anthony Ashley Cooper, Earl of Shaftesbury, a leading Whig politician and key figure in the Exclusion Crisis. Dryden portrays Achitophel as a clever, persuasive, and ambitious manipulator who uses his intellect and charm to influence Absalom (Monmouth) into rebellion. He is depicted as a master strategist, skilled in political intrigue and rhetoric, but also as dangerously self-serving—willing to sow division and unrest for personal gain. Achitophel’s political ambition blinds him to the damage his actions cause to the monarchy and the country. Dryden’s satire paints him as a false prophet, someone who disguises his desire for power behind the veneer of patriotism and religious zeal. Ultimately, Achitophel embodies the corrupting influence of political scheming and the threat posed by manipulative leaders.

David 

In Dryden’s Absalom and Achitophel, David represents King Charles II, the reigning monarch during the Exclusion Crisis. David is portrayed as a wise, just, and patient ruler, embodying the ideal qualities of kingship. Despite facing rebellion from his own son (Absalom/Monmouth), David shows mercy and forgiveness, reflecting both royal dignity and a divine mandate to rule. His character is imbued .

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Conclusion :

In conclusion, John Dryden's Absalom and Achitophel is a profound political allegory that intertwines issues of divine authority, political power, and rebellion. Through the lens of the Biblical story of Absalom’s revolt against his father, King David, Dryden critiques the political climate of his time, particularly the tension between the monarchy and those who sought to undermine it.

References:

 https://blog.dilipbarad.com/2021/01/absalom-and-achitophel-worksheet.html                                                                        

Wordsworth and Coleridge's Romanticism

                                   Romantic Ideals in Poetry 

This blog task is assigned by pro. Megha Ma'am, Department of English,  (MKBU).

For further details click here,

1. Introduction 

• Romanticism 

Romanticism was a major literary, artistic, and intellectual movement that began in Europe in the late 18th century and peaked during the early 19th century. It was a reaction against the Enlightenment and Neoclassicism, which emphasized reason, order, and rationality.

Q.1 What are the characteristics of Romantic poetry? illustrate with examples from Wordsworth and Coleridge. 

Answer :-

Characteristic of Romantic Poetry :-

In Wordsworth and Coleridge's Poetry we can find out this Characteristic which make it as a marvellous work of Art.

1. Emphasis on Emotion and Imagination 

Romantic poets valued feelings, passions, and imagination over logic and reason.

Wordsworth 

– Lines Composed a Few Miles Above Tintern Abbey

Wordsworth highlights how emotion and memory connect with nature. He recalls his visits to the River Wye and describes how the beauty of nature not only delighted him in youth but also gave him “tranquil restoration” in moments of sadness later. 

Example:

His imagination transforms the landscape into a source of moral and spiritual guidance, beyond its physical beauty.

Coleridge 

 The Rime of the Ancient Mariner

Coleridge uses imagination and supernatural elements to intensify human emotions. The tale of the Mariner, cursed after killing the albatross, is full of awe, fear, guilt, and redemption. The ghostly ship, spectral figures, and the curse all emerge from Coleridge’s powerful imagination. 

Example:

The Mariner’s emotional agony and relief at blessing the water-snakes shows how imagination and emotion are fused to deliver a moral truth.

2. Love of Nature – 

Nature was seen as a source of beauty, inspiration, comfort, and moral truth.

Wordsworth presents nature as a source of spiritual inspiration and moral guidance.  Nature, for him, is not passive but an active teacher, shaping the mind and soul. His famous line -

“Nature never did betray / The heart that loved her”

show how deeply he trusts nature as a moral and emotional guide.

Coleridge presents nature as powerful, mysterious, and spiritually binding. When the Mariner kills the albatross, he violates the sacred harmony of nature, leading to suffering and isolation. His redemption comes when he suddenly feels love for the sea-creature.

3. Freedom of Expression – 

Romantic poetry rejected strict classical rules and encouraged creativity and spontaneity.

Wordsworth – “The Solitary Reaper”

Celebrates the simple life of a Highland girl reaping in the fields.

Uses ordinary language and common experiences instead of classical heroic themes.

Shows spontaneous emotion and natural expression, reflecting Romantic freedom of expression.

Coleridge – “Kubla Khan”

Imaginary, dream-like vision of Xanadu.

Breaks conventional structure; poem is fragmentary and mystical.

Emphasizes creativity and imagination, showing complete freedom in poetic expression.

4. Emphasis on personal values 

Wordsworth

Poem: Tintern Abbey

Wordsworth reflects on how nature shapes his personal values, guiding his moral and spiritual growth.

His love of nature is not just aesthetic; it provides ethical insight and inner peace, highlighting the Romantic focus on personal moral and spiritual experience.

Coleridge

Poem: The Rime of the Ancient Mariner

The Mariner’s personal guilt and moral awakening emphasize the importance of conscience and individual responsibility.

The poem shows that personal reflection and values guide human behaviour, a key Romantic principle.

Q-2 Why does the (1798) mark an important literary epoch? 

Answer :-

The year 1798 is considered an important literary epoch mainly because it marks the publication of Lyrical Ballads by William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge. Here are some reasons that why 1798 matter a lot in english literature.

1. Birth of Romanticism :-

The first edition of Lyrical Ballads (1798) is taken as the manifesto of the Romantic Movement in England.

It broke away from the rigid conventions of Neoclassicism (which valued reason, order, formality, and imitation of classical models).

Instead, it emphasized emotion, imagination, and nature.

2. Redefinition of Poetry :-

Wordsworth’s Preface (added in the 1800 edition, but the spirit was present from 1798) declared that poetry should be written in the “language of common men” instead of artificial diction.

Poetry was defined as the “spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings”—a revolutionary idea against earlier formal traditions.

3. Focus on Nature and the Common Life :-

The poems celebrated rural simplicity, ordinary experiences, and the spiritual power of nature.

Example:

Wordsworth’s Lines Written in Early Spring, The Tables Turned, and Coleridge’s The Rime of the Ancient Mariner.

References :-

https://prowritingaid.com/romanticism-characteristics

https://youtu.be/EWA-R60J2cs?si=MG6fMQoJmKzVnZ0S

John Dryden as a Critic

                  John Dryden 

 

This blog task is assigned by Dr. and Pro. Dilip Barad Sir, (Department of English MKBU). For further details click here 

Introduction :-

   

John Dryden (9 August 1631 – 1 May 1700) was a prominent English poet, critic, translator, and playwright who dominated the literary life of the Restoration Age; therefore, the age is known as the Age of Dryden. 

His critical observation of contemporary reality is reflected in Mac Flecknoe(1682). Dryden’s mature thoughts of literary criticism on ancient, modern and English Literature. Drama, are presented in dialogue forms in An Essay on Dramatic Poesy. 

Dryden as a Critic :-

This lecture highlights John Dryden’s pivotal role as a neoclassical poet and critical thinker in the post-Elizabethan Restoration era. 

It focuses particularly on his celebrated work An Essay of Dramatic Poesy, discussing:

How he sought a balance between adherence to classical principles and the evolving needs of English drama.

His use of a dialogue among four characters to explore topics such as:

- Ancients vs. Moderns

- French versus English drama

- The value of the classical “unities” (time, place, action).

This video explores John Dryden’s definition of a play, emphasizing that it should serve as a natural and lively image of human life.

According to Dryden, a successful play should:

- Represent human nature truthfully, including its passions, humors, and the fluctuations of fortune.

-Be crafted without artificiality, ensuring authenticity in characterization and plot.

-Aim to both delight and instruct the audience—combining entertainment with moral or intellectual value.

The video presents an analysis of John Dryden’s comparative approach to literary criticism, weighing the merits of Ancient texts against those of his Modern contemporaries, with a special focus on French playwrights.

Dryden explores how:

Classical works (the Ancients) embody enduring qualities such as elevated language, noble themes, and structural harmony.

Contemporary writers (the Moderns) bring fresh perspectives, emotional immediacy, and cultural relevance.

The video delves into the debate between using rhyme versus blank verse in dramatic poetry—an age-old question that John Dryden explores in his essay. 

-Crites’ Argument (the voice of the Ancients)

-Opposes rhyme in serious plays, arguing it's unnatural.

-Believes dialogue should mirror how people speak—without rhyme.

The video examines the clash between rhyme and blank verse within the context of dramatic poetry, drawing from Dryden’s critical debate in An Essay of Dramatic Poesy .

Characters and Their Stances

Crites (championing the Ancients) asserts that rhyme is unnatural in drama, especially serious plays. Dialogue should mimic spontaneous speech—and since people don’t speak in rhyme, it feels forced.

Neander, representing Dryden’s own views, counters that rhyme can seem natural when shaped skillfully—through varied meter, enjambment, run-on lines, and thoughtful pacing. 

Responses of the task are given below :-

1) In my view, Aristotle and Dryden look at drama from two very different angles. Aristotle, in his Poetics, defines tragedy in very strict and classical terms. For him, tragedy is “an imitation of an action” that is serious, complete, and of a certain magnitude. 

2) If I were to give my personal predilection, I would side with the Ancients rather than the Moderns. The Ancients, especially writers like Homer, Sophocles, and Virgil, created works that are timeless in their artistic beauty, moral depth, and universal appeal. Their works laid the foundation of literature by establishing principles of unity, harmony, and decorum, which still influence writers today. 

3) I don’t think all the arguments presented in favour of French plays and against English plays are entirely appropriate. The French dramatists valued rules—they insisted on strict observance of the unities, avoidance of showing death on stage, and keeping decorum intact. Their plays were polished, elegant, and logically arranged. However, this very strictness often made their drama less lively and less natural.

For example, the objection that death should not be shown on stage because it is “neither just nor lively” seems artificial. In real life, death is a central reality, and when it is represented with seriousness on stage. 

4) My preference would be for poetic dialogue rather than purely prosaic dialogue in a play. Poetry gives the drama an elevated charm, musicality, and intensity of expression which prose often cannot achieve. The rhythmic structure, imagery, and figurative language in verse heighten emotions and make the speech memorable, as we see in Shakespeare’s tragedies and romances.

References 

https://blog.dilipbarad.com/2015/09/drydens-essay-on-dramatic-poesy-short.html