Why did Dryden prefer tragi-comedies to comedies? [British Poetry]

Dryden, an English poet and playwright, preferred tragi-comedies to comedies because they allowed him to explore more complex and serious themes while still incorporating elements of comedy. Tragi-comedies are a form of drama that combines elements of both tragedy and comedy, often ending on a more positive note.

Dryden believed that tragi-comedies were more suited to the tastes of his audience, as they offered a mix of emotions and allowed for a more nuanced exploration of human nature. He felt that comedies were too simplistic and focused solely on making the audience laugh, while tragi-comedies offered a more well-rounded theatrical experience.

Additionally, Dryden believed that tragi-comedies were more in line with the conventions of the Restoration era, which placed a greater emphasis on the exploration of complex human emotions and the portrayal of realistic characters.

Tragi-comedies also gave Dryden the opportunity to use satire, irony, and wit to comment on the political and social issues of the time, something that was not possible in conventional comedies.

In summary, Dryden preferred tragi-comedies to comedies because they allowed him to explore more complex and serious themes, were more in line with the conventions of the Restoration era, and gave him the opportunity to use satire, irony, and wit to comment on the political and social issues of the time.