Examine the critical debate on Dryden. ( MEG 102 ) ( MAC FLECKNOE )

John Dryden (1631-1700) was a prominent figure in English literature during the late seventeenth century. He was a prolific writer and critic who made significant contributions to poetry, drama, and prose. However, his work was not without controversy, and his reputation has been the subject of critical debate over the years. In this response, I will examine some of the key issues and debates surrounding Dryden's work.

One of the main debates surrounding Dryden's work is his attitude towards literary tradition. Dryden was a proponent of the concept of "imitation," which held that great writers should look to the past for inspiration and guidance. Dryden believed that the best writers should imitate the styles and techniques of earlier masters, adapting them to their own purposes. This approach is reflected in Dryden's own work, which often draws on classical models and earlier English writers such as Chaucer and Shakespeare. However, some critics have argued that Dryden's adherence to tradition stifled his creativity and originality. They argue that he was too concerned with following established conventions and did not do enough to develop his own unique voice.

Another issue that has been debated by critics is Dryden's relationship to politics. Dryden was a prominent supporter of the monarchy, and his work often reflects his political beliefs. For example, he wrote a number of pro-royalist plays and poems, and he famously defended the principle of divine right in his work "Absalom and Achitophel." However, some critics have argued that Dryden's political views were opportunistic and that he was willing to change his stance depending on who was in power. They point out that he wrote pro-Parliamentary works during the Commonwealth period and switched his allegiance to the monarchy after the Restoration.

Dryden's work has also been criticized for its lack of moral depth. Some critics have argued that Dryden was primarily concerned with pleasing his audience and did not use his work to explore deeper ethical or philosophical questions. They argue that his work is primarily concerned with entertainment and that he did not use his art to engage with the larger issues of his time.

Finally, Dryden's approach to language and style has also been the subject of debate. Dryden was known for his clear, precise language and his use of rhetorical devices such as antithesis and parallelism. However, some critics have argued that his style is overly ornate and artificial, and that it lacks the naturalness and spontaneity of other writers such as Shakespeare or Milton.

In conclusion, Dryden's work has been the subject of a number of critical debates over the years. While he is widely regarded as one of the most important writers of his time, his adherence to tradition, his relationship to politics, his lack of moral depth, and his approach to language and style have all been the subject of scrutiny and debate among literary scholars.