John Dryden's influence on Restoration Drama

1. “Essay of Dramatic Poesy”

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3. “Essay of Dramatic Poesy”
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•“An Essay of Dramatic Poesy” by John Dryden, written in 1668 and
published in 1669 during the Restoration era in England.
•Formative work in literary criticism, particularly focused on drama.
•Addresses contemporary debates on the nature of drama,
advocating for the principles of good dramatic writing.
•Defense of English drama and justification of the new, more
structured style of plays during the Restoration period.
•Structured as a classical-style dialogue involving four intellectuals.
•Discusses various dramatic styles and their merits.
•Dryden argues for drama as a respectable form of poetry, citing
Shakespeare as evidence of this assertion.

4. • •Exploring Restoration Drama.
• •The Restoration Era was a artistic resurgence
and creative explorations and enduring impact of
John Dryden’s theatrical legacy.
• •The Restoration Era marked a significant period in
English history, characterized by a revival of
theater and the arts. It was a time of innovation and
cultural renaissance.
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5. • Dryden explores poetry, the three unities, and the suitability of rhyme in
English drama in “An Essay of Dramatic Poesy.”
• The essay is structured as a dialogue among four characters.
• Dryden advocates a pragmatic approach, considering the contemporary
audience’s preferences.
• Reflects on the evolving tastes and challenges faced by Restoration
playwrights.
• Defends the use of rhyme in plays, emphasizing its enhancement of auditory
experience and poetic qualities.
• Supports the blending of tragic and comic elements to mirror the complexities of
human experience in Restoration drama.
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6. "Dramatic Poesy" is an essay by
John Dryden, written in the form
of a dialogue among four
characters. It explores various
aspects of drama, including the
use of rhyme in plays. Dryden
argues that rhyme enhances the
theatrical experience by creating
a musical quality, engaging the
audience, and aiding memory.

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DRAMATIC POESY.
Regarding rhyme in plays,
Dryden acknowledges that
rhyme has its challenges, but
he defends its use, stating that
it adds beauty and elevates the
language. He contends that
rhyme helps in memorization
and enhances the emotional
impact of the dialogue.

8. The essay's structure involves a conversation
between four characters, each representing
different perspectives on dramatic poetry. Neander
defends English drama, arguing for its superiority
over the French. Crites critiques the limitations of
English drama, while Lisideius praises French
drama. Eugenius, who represents Dryden himself,
offers a balanced view.
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9. Crites, in Dryden's essay, defends the classical drama of
ancient Greece and Rome. Some key points are
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• Unity of Action:
Classical dramas adhere to the principle of unity of action, where the plot
revolves around a single, focused theme or story. This creates a sense of
coherence and intensity.
• Aristotelian Principles;
may argue that classical dramas follow Aristotle's principles of tragedy,
emphasizing the importance of plot, character, and spectacle. This adherence
contributes to the effectiveness of the dramatic experience.
• Elevation of Language:
• Classical drama often employs elevated language, such as poetry and
formal dialogue, adding a sense of grandeur and dignity to the performance

10. Eugenius:
Eugenius, on the other hand, supports the merits of modern drama. Some of
the argument include:
1.Realism and Diversity: Modern drama reflects a more realistic portrayal of
human life, addressing a broader range of subjects and characters. This
diversity allows for a deeper exploration of the human experience.
2.Evolution of Theatrical Techniques: Eugenius may argue that modern
drama benefits from advancements in theatrical techniques, such as set
design, lighting, and special effects, which enhance the overall theatrical
experience.
3.Accessibility of Language: Modern drama often employs a more accessible
language, making it easier for a wider audience to connect with the characters
and themes.
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11. Character development refers to the process of
creating and evolving characters throughout a
narrative. It involves providing depth,
complexity, and growth to characters as the story
progresses.

12.  Background and Personality: Authors introduce characters with a distinct
background, personality traits, and motivations. This foundation serves as a
starting point for character development.
 Conflict and Resolution: Characters often face challenges and conflicts that force
them to evolve. Through these experiences, readers or viewers witness changes in
the characters' beliefs, values, and behaviors.
 Consistency and Authenticity: While characters undergo development, it's
important to maintain consistency and authenticity. Changes should be
believable and align with the established traits of the character.
 Arcs and Transformation: Characters often follow an arc, a trajectory of growth
or change. This transformation can be positive or negative, depending on the
nature of the narrative.
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In Shakespeare's "Hamlet," the protagonist,
Hamlet, undergoes significant character
development. He begins as a melancholic
and indecisive prince but transforms into a
determined avenger following the
revelation of his father's murder. The
conflicts he faces contribute to his complex
character evolution.

14. Decorum, in the context of
literature and drama, refers
to the appropriateness of a
character's words, actions,
and demeanor in a given
situation. It involves adhering
to social and cultural norms,
reflecting a character's
manners and etiquette

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Key features
• Social Context: Characters are expected to behave in a
manner consistent with the social context of the story.
This includes adhering to societal norms, customs, and
expectations.
• Speech and Behavior: Decorum extends to the way
characters speak and behave. Politeness, respect, and
appropriate conduct contribute to the overall decorum of
a character.
• Character Background: A character's background,
upbringing, and social status can influence their level of
decorum. Characters from different backgrounds may
exhibit distinct manners and behaviors.
• Narrative Tone: The overall tone of the narrative, whether
serious, comedic, or tragic, can influence the level of
decorum expected from the characters. Different genres
may allow for variations in behavior
Example
In Oscar Wilde's "The Importance of Being Earnest," the
characters navigate the social norms and decorum of
Victorian society. The play satirizes societal expectations,
highlighting the characters' adherence to decorum while
humorously exposing the hypocrisy underlying their actions.

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Why Theatre is Important | World
Theatre Day - Luminato ...
Theatre opens us up to experiencing
different perspectives that we may not
be aware of or contemplated. Theatre's
way of examining dialogue, monologue
and character allows us to flex our
empathy muscles. In other words-
understanding theatre helps us
understand what it means to be
human.

17. The production concept is the unifying creative vision for the design
elements of a stage play. It allows such diverse elements as costumes,
set design, and lighting to mutually support a creative goal.
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18. The Stage Manager is the most senior member of
the Stage Management Team and is responsible for
the health and safety of the performers and crew for
every performance as well as for ensuring all
departments have completed their tasks for the
production to be performed during both the
rehearsal and performance periods.

19. Special effects were used to enhance the dramatic and visual effects and
increase the overall experience of the plays performed. The competition
was fierce and more dramatic special effects resulted in bigger audiences
and greater profits. There are various effects to show smoke, rain, wind,
violence and blood, Gods and ghosts and spirits etc.
Magical spirits, devils and gods and goddesses often appear in plays from
Shakespeare’s time. Good spirits and Gods and Goddesses usually entered
through a trapdoor in the Heavens. The actors were lowered on a rope or a
wire. This was called ‘flying in’. Evil spirits and devils came up from Hell,
under the stage, through a trapdoor in the stage. Companies often set off
firecrackers when devils appeared or magic was used. In one production of
Dr Faustus the actors playing devils even put firecrackers in their mouths
to suggest they were breathing fire.
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1.Dilogue structure.
The essay adopts a structured dialogue among four characters:
Neander, Crites, Lisideius, and Eugenius.
Each character represents a distinct perspective, fostering an
interactive debate on dramatic poesy.
The dialogical format engages readers in a dynamic exploration of
ideas.
2.Diverse Perspectives:
Neander defends English drama, arguing for its superiority over the
French.
Crites critiques the limitations of English drama, providing a
contrasting viewpoint.
Lisideius praises French drama, offering an alternative perspective.
Eugenius, representing Dryden, provides a balanced view,
contributing to the richness of the conversation.

21. The characters engage in a discussion that addresses contemporary debates
on the nature of drama during the Restoration era. The interactive nature of the
dialogue allows for the exploration of differing opinions on principles of good
dramatic writing.
4.Rhyme and Theatrical Experience
The debate on the use of rhyme in plays becomes an interactive element.
Characters discuss how rhyme enhances the auditory experience, creating a
musical quality in the theatrical performance. This discussion involves
arguments and counterarguments, engaging readers in evaluating the merits of
using rhyme in drama.
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22. Eugenius represents Dryden's voice in support of modern drama. His
arguments for realism, diversity, and advancements in theatrical techniques
contribute to an interactive exploration of the evolving nature of drama.
6.Legacy and Enduring Impact:
The interactive dialogue continues to resonate, leaving a lasting impact on
how Restoration drama is perceived and appreciated. Dryden's essay
serves as a timeless interactive exploration of the art and principles of
dramatic poesy during a pivotal period in literary history.
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23. The characters themselves undergo a form of development as they
present and defend their viewpoints. This dynamic character evolution
adds an interactive layer, allowing readers to witness the intellectual
growth of each character.
8.Enriching the Understanding of Restoration Drama:
The interactive elements collectively enrich the reader's understanding of
the complexities and debates surrounding Restoration drama. Readers
are actively involved in evaluating arguments, forming opinions, and
navigating the diverse perspectives presented.
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 .Engaging Conversations
• Dryden's engaging conversational style invites readers into a
stimulating discourse on the essence of dramatic poesy.
 .Artistic Disputes
• The essay strategically presents diverse disputes and counter-
arguments, enriching the intellectual canvas of the discourse.
 .Influential Supporters
• Dryden's essay gathered influential supporters and critics, fueling
passionate dialogues that shaped the Restoration theatrical
landscape

25. In conclusion, "An Essay of Dramatic Poesy" by John Dryden
stands as a formative work in literary criticism, offering a
structured dialogue that addresses the contemporary debates
surrounding drama during the Restoration era. The essay defends
English drama, justifies the new style of plays, and explores
various aspects, including the use of rhyme. The Restoration Era
marked a significant period of artistic resurgence, and Dryden's
exploration of poetry, the three unities, and the suitability of rhyme
reflects the challenges and evolving tastes faced by playwrights of
that time. Eugenius, representing modern drama, argues for its
merits, emphasizing realism, diversity, advancements in theatrical
techniques, and language accessibility. Character development in
literature involves creating depth, consistency, and authenticity in
characters, often through conflicts and resolutions. Decorum, on
the other hand, focuses on the appropriateness of a character's
words and actions within the social context.

26. The impact of theater is highlighted on World Theatre Day,
emphasizing its role in opening up perspectives, fostering
empathy, and exploring human experiences. In theatre
production, the stage manager plays a crucial role in
ensuring the health and safety of performers and
coordinating tasks for successful performances Theatrical
effects, including special effects, were employed to
enhance dramatic and visual experiences in plays during
Shakespeare's time. These effects ranged from smoke,
rain, and wind to the portrayal of gods, ghosts, and spirits.
The competition for more dramatic effects contributed to
larger audiences and greater profits. In essence, the
exploration of dramatic poesy, character development,
decorum, the impact of theater, and theatrical effects
collectively illustrates the rich and dynamic landscape of
literature and drama throughout different historical periods.

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