Thinking activity on Dryden's essay

Thinking activity of Dryden's essay

Here is my answer:-

1)Both definitions are very nearly same and some are different points but also languages has been changed and talked about the imitation with human being as well as languages. After the Aristotle's definition of the tragedy, Dryden was the first who tried to give a well formed definition of the play. There are some points we can see that difference in both the definition. In the definition of tragedy Aristotle talks about imitation of action. While in the definition of play Dryden talks about a just and lively image of human nature. We find something is that, they both talk about the imagination but in different way. Aristotle talks end with the definition with pleasure and catharsis.




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


Obviously, moderns are extra ordinary things and forwarded new things. But ancient also important as well dramatic rules and we know this rules and follow them. Ancients always represents a real story or situation, while moderns somehow imitate them. They represents some how new ideas as well as regarding the present situation. And moderns exceed the ancients because learned and profited from their example.


3). Do you think that arguments presented in favor of the French plays and against English plays are appropriate ??

 There are arguments but not against of the English drama, but favors of own arguments and own point of view or perspective. Here we can see that Lisideius argues that French drama is superior to English drama, basing this opinion of the French writer's close adherence to the classical separation of comedy and tragedy. Neander, voice of the Dryden who favors the modern English plays, but does not disparage the ancients.


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




:- I would like to prefer poetic dialogues in the play. Neander and Crites both are argued in terms of rhyme and blank verse. Crites's attack on rhyme and Bender's defence, Dryden gives more reason in favour of rhyme. The primary function of poetry is to give 'delight' , and rhyme enables the poet to perform this function well.

                                                      Thank you !