Attempt a critical discussion of (a) the relation of religion and politics in the Age of Dryden. (b) The self-complacency of the age in England. (c) On the basis of your study of the poetry of Victoria England compare Augustan complacence with Victorian hypocrisy. ( MEG 102 ) ( THE AGE OF DRYDEN )

(a) The relation of religion and politics in the Age of Dryden: The Age of Dryden in England was marked by a complex relationship between religion and politics. On the one hand, there was a growing sense of religious tolerance and freedom, as different religious groups were allowed to practice their faith more openly. However, this newfound tolerance was often undermined by political considerations, as different religious groups vied for power and influence in the political sphere.

John Dryden himself was a Catholic convert who lived in a time when Catholics were persecuted and marginalized in England. His works often reflected a sense of frustration and disillusionment with the political and religious realities of the time, as he struggled to find a place for himself and his beliefs in a society that was increasingly hostile to Catholics.

(b) The self-complacency of the age in England: The Age of Dryden in England was marked by a sense of self-complacency and confidence, as the country emerged from a period of political instability and embraced the values of reason, moderation, and stability. This sense of confidence was reflected in the literature of the time, which often celebrated the achievements of the ruling classes and portrayed England as a beacon of civilization and progress.

However, this self-complacency was also accompanied by a sense of complacency and conservatism, as writers and intellectuals of the time were often resistant to change and innovation. This conservatism was reflected in the literary styles of the time, which often harkened back to the classical traditions of Greece and Rome rather than exploring new and innovative forms of expression.

(c) Comparing Augustan complacency with Victorian hypocrisy: The Victorian era in England was marked by a very different set of social and cultural values than the Age of Dryden. While the Augustan period was characterized by a sense of confidence and self-assurance, the Victorian era was marked by a sense of hypocrisy and moral ambiguity, as the country grappled with issues such as poverty, industrialization, and colonialism.

In terms of poetry, the Augustan era was marked by a focus on reason, wit, and classical tradition, while the Victorian era was marked by a more sentimental and emotional style, as well as a focus on social and political issues. However, both eras shared a sense of conservatism and resistance to change, with writers and intellectuals of both periods often looking back to the past rather than embracing new forms of expression.

In conclusion, the Age of Dryden in England was marked by complex relationships between religion and politics, as well as a sense of self-complacency and conservatism. While the Victorian era was marked by a different set of values and concerns, both eras shared a sense of resistance to change and innovation.