John Dryden, Alexander Pope, and Samuel Johnson were prominent literary figures during the late 17th and 18th centuries, and each made significant contributions to English literature and literary criticism. Their critical views and literary works were instrumental in shaping the literary landscape of their respective periods.
1. John Dryden:
John Dryden was a versatile writer known for his poetry, plays, and critical works. He played a crucial role in establishing and promoting the principles of Neoclassicism in English literature. Dryden's critical views emphasized the importance of reason, clarity, and adherence to classical models.
In his critical essays and prefaces, Dryden emphasized the concept of "decorum," which referred to the appropriateness of style and subject matter within a particular literary genre. He argued that writers should adapt their language and themes to suit the nature of the work. For example, tragedy should have elevated language and evoke feelings of pity and fear, while comedy should be light-hearted and amusing.
Dryden's critical views were influenced by the French classical dramatists, particularly Pierre Corneille and Jean Racine. He admired their adherence to the three unities (time, place, and action) and their emphasis on reason and order in dramatic composition. Dryden believed that these principles provided a sense of coherence and unity to dramatic works, making them more effective and emotionally impactful for the audience.
In his "Essay of Dramatic Poesy," Dryden engaged in a fictional conversation among four friends, discussing the merits and demerits of classical drama versus contemporary English drama. Through this dialogue, Dryden defended the use of rhyme in drama and advocated for a more formalized dramatic structure. He believed that rhyme contributed to the musicality of the verse, enhancing the auditory experience for the audience.
Dryden's critical views were instrumental in shaping the dramatic practices of the Restoration period. His promotion of Neoclassical principles, such as decorum and adherence to classical models, helped establish a new standard for English drama, and his plays, particularly his heroic tragedies, reflected these principles.
2. Alexander Pope:
Alexander Pope, a celebrated poet and critic of the 18th century, is best known for his satirical verse and his work on translating Homer's epic poems. Pope was a key figure in the literary movement known as the Augustan Age or the Age of Pope. His critical views centered on the importance of balance, wit, and harmony in poetry.
Pope's critical principles can be found in his famous work, "An Essay on Criticism," which offers valuable insights into the art of poetry. He emphasized the need for poetic decorum and advised writers to avoid extremes in language and expression. Pope believed that true wit lay in finding the right words to convey ideas concisely and effectively, and he popularized the phrase "In words, as fashions, the same rule will hold, Alike fantastic if too new or old."
Moreover, Pope stressed the importance of "Nature" in poetic composition. He argued that art should imitate nature, and true poetic genius involved observing and mimicking the beauty and order found in the natural world. This belief in the imitation of nature is evident in his translations of Homer's epics, "The Iliad" and "The Odyssey," where he sought to retain the essence and spirit of the original works.
Pope's emphasis on harmony and balanced expression can be seen in his famous "Essay on Man," where he explores philosophical and ethical themes while adhering to a structured and harmonious poetic form. He believed that the poet's role was not just to entertain but also to instruct and elevate the reader's moral and intellectual sensibilities.
Pope's critical views were rooted in the principles of the Augustan Age, which valued reason, clarity, and decorum in literature. He was critical of excessive emotion and sentimentality in poetry and believed that true poetic excellence lay in the ability to convey profound ideas with clarity and precision.
3. Samuel Johnson:
Samuel Johnson, an influential literary figure of the 18th century, was renowned for his contributions as a poet, essayist, and lexicographer. He is best known for his work on "A Dictionary of the English Language" and his critical essays, particularly "The Lives of the Poets."
Johnson's critical views were deeply rooted in his appreciation for the classical ideals of order, reason, and decorum. He valued clarity and precision in writing and championed the use of rationality and moral instruction in literature. Johnson believed that literature should serve as a mirror of society, reflecting its values and concerns.
In his "Lives of the Poets," Johnson provided biographical sketches and critical evaluations of several poets, including Milton, Pope, and Dryden. He admired Milton for his sublime imagination and poetic vision, Pope for his wit and skillful verse, and Dryden for his versatility and adherence to classical principles.
Johnson also emphasized the role of literature as a moral guide. He believed that literature should not merely entertain but also edify and teach important moral lessons. His critical essays often critiqued works that he considered morally or aesthetically deficient.
Furthermore, Johnson's contributions to literary criticism extended beyond individual works. In "The Rambler," a series of essays published between 1750 and 1752, he addressed various literary and philosophical topics, offering valuable insights into the nature of art, aesthetics, and the human condition. Johnson's critical essays were characterized by their eloquence, depth, and thoughtfulness, making him one of the most influential literary critics of his time.
Johnson's critical views had a significant impact on English literature and literary criticism. His emphasis on moral instruction and the role of literature in shaping society contributed to the development of the moralistic tradition in English literature. His biographical approach in "The Lives of the Poets" also set a new standard for literary biography, providing valuable insights into the lives and works of notable authors.
In conclusion, John Dryden, Alexander Pope, and Samuel Johnson were significant literary figures whose critical views and literary works left a lasting impact on English literature and literary criticism. Dryden's promotion of Neoclassicism, Pope's emphasis on harmony and imitation of nature, and Johnson's advocacy for moral instruction in literature were all significant contributions to the development of English literary criticism. Each of these critics played a key role in shaping the understanding and evaluation of literature during their respective periods and continues to influence literary scholarship and criticism to this day. Their critical views and works remain valuable and insightful resources for anyone interested in the study of English literature and literary history.
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