English poetry was more social in the Age of Dryden and Pope than ever before and after. Discuss. ( MEG 102 ) ( THE AGE OF DRYDEN )

The Age of Dryden and Pope in English poetry, which spanned the late 17th and early 18th centuries, was marked by a shift towards social commentary and satire. This was a departure from the religious and metaphysical concerns that had dominated earlier periods of English poetry, such as the Renaissance and the Metaphysical poets, and it set the stage for the more socially conscious poetry of the Romantic period that followed.

One reason for this shift towards social commentary was the changing social and political landscape of England at the time. The 17th century had been a period of great upheaval, with the English Civil War, the Glorious Revolution, and the rise of political parties all contributing to a sense of social and political instability. In response to these changes, poets began to use their works to comment on and critique the social and political norms of their time.

John Dryden, for example, used his poetry to comment on the changing social order of England. In his poem "Absalom and Achitophel," he satirized the political factions of his time and questioned the legitimacy of the monarchy. Alexander Pope, similarly, used his poetry to critique the moral and social values of his society, often through the use of satire and irony.

Another reason for the shift towards social commentary in English poetry during this period was the rise of coffeehouses and other public spaces where people from different social classes could mix and exchange ideas. This gave poets a broader audience for their works and allowed them to engage with a wider range of social issues.

Overall, it can be said that the Age of Dryden and Pope was a period of increased social consciousness in English poetry. While earlier periods had focused on religious and metaphysical concerns, and later periods would focus on more individualistic and introspective themes, the poetry of this period was marked by a concern for social issues and a desire to engage with the changing world around them.