Dryden's Essay on Dramatic Poesy

              John Dryden               Aristotle 

 Aristotle's Definition of Tragedy:-

Aristotle, in his seminal work Poetics, defines tragedy as "an imitation of an action that is serious, complete, and of a certain magnitude." He emphasizes that tragedy should evoke emotions of pity and fear in the audience, leading to a cathartic experience—a purging or cleansing of these emotions. 

Dryden's Definition of a Play:-

John Dryden, in contrast, viewed plays more broadly. In his essay An Essay of Dramatic Poesy, Dryden acknowledges the importance of Aristotle’s principles but also argues for the flexibility of these rules. He believed that plays could blend serious and comic elements, allowing for more varied emotions and experiences. 

Arguments About French and English Plays:-

During Dryden’s time, there was a debate about whether French or English plays were better. Supporters of French plays argued that they were superior because they followed strict rules, like not showing deaths on stage, using blunted swords in duel scenes, and representing large armies with only a few actors. They also criticized English plays for mixing serious and funny scenes and using multiple plots in one play.

However, these criticisms of English plays might not be entirely fair. While French plays were more refined and followed stricter rules, English plays were often more creative and lively. For example, showing death on stage or mixing humor with serious moments can make a play more dramatic and engaging. It allows the audience to experience a wider range of emotions, making the play more memorable.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Aristotle’s definition of tragedy is timeless and influential, Dryden’s broader and more flexible approach to defining plays resonates more with the diverse experiences of human life. English plays, with their creative freedom and emotional range, offer a richer, more engaging experience than the more rigid French plays. Finally, while both poetic and prosaic dialogues have their merits, the beauty and power of poetic language often make it the more compelling choice for dialogue in plays.