English Literature – 1670 to 1850 Unit 2 Review: Dryden and Restoration Poetry

Historical Context

• Restoration period began in 1660 with the return of Charles II to the English throne following the Interregnum
• Marked a shift from Puritan austerity to a more liberal and pleasure-seeking society
  • Reopening of theaters and the rise of Restoration comedy
  • Increased interest in scientific inquiry and rational thought (Royal Society founded in 1660)
• Political instability persisted with the Glorious Revolution of 1688 and the Jacobite Risings
• Rise of coffee houses as centers of intellectual and political discourse
• Growing influence of French culture and literature on English society
• Emergence of a more structured and formalized approach to poetry and drama

Key Figures and Literary Circle

• John Dryden, the most influential and prolific writer of the period
  • Poet Laureate and historiographer royal under Charles II and James II
• Other notable poets include Andrew Marvell, John Wilmot (Earl of Rochester), and Aphra Behn
• Dryden's literary circle included notable figures such as William Wycherley, George Etherege, and Thomas Shadwell
• Rise of professional writers and the increasing importance of patronage
• Emergence of female writers, such as Aphra Behn and Margaret Cavendish, challenging traditional gender roles

Major Works and Themes

• Dryden's satirical works, such as "Absalom and Achitophel" and "Mac Flecknoe," which critiqued political and literary rivals
• His religious poems, including "Religio Laici" and "The Hind and the Panther," reflecting his conversion to Catholicism
• Dryden's translations of classical works, such as Virgil's "Aeneid" and Ovid's "Metamorphoses"
• Themes of political allegiance, religious tolerance, and the role of the monarchy
• Exploration of the nature of heroism and the ideal ruler in works like "Annus Mirabilis"
• Celebration of reason, wit, and the power of language in shaping public opinion

Poetic Styles and Techniques

• Dryden's development of the heroic couplet as a dominant poetic form
  • Characterized by iambic pentameter lines rhymed in pairs
  • Became the standard for English poetry in the 18th century
• Use of satire, irony, and wit to critique contemporary society and politics
• Incorporation of classical allusions and mythological references
• Emphasis on clarity, precision, and elegance in language
• Experimentation with verse forms, such as the pindaric ode and the verse essay
• Dryden's concept of "refined" language and the importance of "correctness" in poetry

Political and Social Commentary

• Dryden's works often served as propaganda for the Stuart monarchy and the Tory party
  • "Absalom and Achitophel" allegorically defended Charles II during the Exclusion Crisis
• Critiques of religious sectarianism and the dangers of political extremism
• Commentary on the role of the poet in society as a moral and intellectual guide
• Reflections on the nature of kingship and the relationship between the monarch and the people
• Exploration of the tensions between individual liberty and social order
• Satires of social vices, such as hypocrisy, pride, and greed

Influence on Later Literature

• Dryden's development of the heroic couplet influenced poets like Alexander Pope and Samuel Johnson
• His translations and adaptations of classical works helped to shape the Neoclassical aesthetic
• Dryden's critical writings, such as "An Essay of Dramatic Poesy," established key principles of literary criticism
  • Emphasis on the unities of time, place, and action in drama
  • Defense of English drama against French neoclassical rules
• Influence on the development of the English novel through his prefaces and dedications
• Dryden's works served as models for aspiring poets and dramatists in the 18th century

Critical Reception and Legacy

• Dryden was widely acclaimed as the leading poet and critic of his age
  • Praised for his wit, versatility, and mastery of the English language
• His works sparked numerous literary controversies and debates
  • "The Hind and the Panther" criticized for its pro-Catholic stance
  • Dryden's feud with Thomas Shadwell and the "Mac Flecknoe" controversy
• Dryden's reputation declined in the 19th century with the rise of Romanticism
  • Seen as too formal and artificial by Romantic poets like Wordsworth and Coleridge
• 20th-century critics reevaluated Dryden's importance in the development of English literature
  • Recognized his role in shaping the Augustan Age and the Neoclassical aesthetic
  • Appreciated his contributions to literary criticism and the refinement of poetic language

Key Takeaways and Exam Tips

• Understand the historical and cultural context of the Restoration period
  • The impact of the Restoration on literature, politics, and society
  • The influence of French culture and the rise of Neoclassicism
• Be familiar with Dryden's major works and their themes
  • The political and religious allegories in "Absalom and Achitophel" and "The Hind and the Panther"
  • The satirical elements in "Mac Flecknoe" and other works
• Analyze Dryden's use of poetic techniques and forms
  • The significance of the heroic couplet and its impact on later poetry
  • The incorporation of classical allusions and mythological references
• Examine Dryden's role as a literary critic and theorist
  • His contributions to the development of English literary criticism
  • His views on the nature of poetry and drama, as expressed in his prefaces and essays
• Consider Dryden's influence on later writers and literary movements
  • His impact on 18th-century poets like Pope and Johnson
  • His role in shaping the Neoclassical aesthetic and the Augustan Age
• Be prepared to discuss the critical reception and legacy of Dryden's works
  • The controversies and debates surrounding his political and religious views
  • The changing attitudes towards his poetry over time, from the Romantic era to the present