Compare and contrast the views of Donne, Dryden, Pope and Blake on science. ( MEG 102 ) ( THE AGE OF DRYDEN )

The views of Donne, Dryden, Pope, and Blake on science varied greatly due to the time periods in which they lived and their personal beliefs and experiences.

John Donne, a metaphysical poet, lived in the early 17th century, before the scientific revolution. He was interested in the mysteries of the world and the complexities of human nature, often exploring spiritual and philosophical themes in his poetry. His work shows little direct engagement with science, as it was not yet a dominant cultural force in his time.

John Dryden, on the other hand, was a poet and critic who lived during the late 17th and early 18th centuries, a time when science was rapidly advancing. Dryden was a supporter of science and technology, seeing them as a means of improving society and understanding the world. He celebrated the advancements in science in his poetry, such as in "Annus Mirabilis," where he wrote about the advancements in navigation and astronomy.

Alexander Pope was a contemporary of Dryden's and shared his admiration for science. However, he was also critical of the way in which scientific knowledge was used for material gain and power. In his poem "Essay on Man," Pope emphasized the importance of humility and moderation, warning against the dangers of excessive pride and ambition.

William Blake, a Romantic poet who lived in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, was highly critical of the mechanistic and materialistic worldview promoted by science. He believed that science reduced the world to a series of mechanical processes, neglecting the spiritual and imaginative dimensions of life. In his poem "The Tyger," he asks whether the same creator who made the gentle lamb also made the ferocious tiger, suggesting that science and reason alone cannot fully comprehend the complexity of the world.

In comparing and contrasting these views on science, it is clear that they reflect the cultural and intellectual context of their respective times. Donne's interest in the mysteries of the world reflects the pre-scientific mindset of his time, while Dryden and Pope's support for science reflects the optimism and progressivism of the scientific revolution. Blake's critique of science reflects the Romantic reaction against the mechanistic worldview of the Enlightenment.