John Dryden’s An Essay of Dramatic Poesy is considered a foundational text in English literary criticism. Written during the Restoration period, it addresses critical debates on drama and poetry that were central to the 17th century. Students and literature enthusiasts often explore this essay to understand neoclassical principles, the comparison of ancient and modern drama, and the nature of dramatic art. One effective way to test comprehension of this text is through Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), which help reinforce major ideas, characters, and arguments presented in the essay. Below, we delve into a detailed discussion of the essay, its themes, and provide sample MCQs with explanations for better understanding.
Overview of An Essay of Dramatic Poesy
Written in 1668, Dryden’s work takes the form of a dialogue among four characters Crites, Eugenius, Lisideius, and Neander. Each character represents different critical viewpoints on drama. Through their conversation, Dryden examines questions such as whether ancient or modern drama is superior, whether French or English drama is better, and whether the unities of time, place, and action should be followed strictly.
Main Themes Discussed in the Essay
- Ancients vs. ModernsDebate on whether classical Greek and Roman drama is superior to contemporary works.
- French vs. English DramaComparison of French adherence to the unities versus English freedom and creativity.
- Nature of ImitationDrama as an imitation of life and human nature.
- Rules of DramaDiscussion on Aristotle’s unities and their importance in modern plays.
Key Characters and Their Positions
Understanding the characters is crucial for answering MCQs related to this essay
- CritesAdvocates for the superiority of ancient drama, emphasizing classical rules and structure.
- EugeniusDefends modern writers, arguing that they have improved upon the ancients in some respects.
- LisideiusSupports French drama for its order and adherence to the unities.
- NeanderRepresents Dryden’s views, favoring English drama for its vitality, diversity, and realistic portrayal of life.
Importance of MCQs on An Essay of Dramatic Poesy
MCQs are a practical way to evaluate how well readers grasp critical ideas from the essay. They test knowledge of characters, key arguments, historical background, and terminology. Literature students preparing for competitive exams or academic assessments often find MCQs helpful for quick revision and self-evaluation.
Sample MCQs with Answers and Explanations
1. Who is the author of An Essay of Dramatic Poesy?
- A) Samuel Johnson
- B) John Dryden
- C) Alexander Pope
- D) Ben Jonson
AnswerB) John Dryden
ExplanationDryden wrote the essay in 1668 during the Restoration period, making him one of the key figures in English literary criticism.
2. In what year was An Essay of Dramatic Poesy published?
- A) 1658
- B) 1668
- C) 1678
- D) 1688
AnswerB) 1668
ExplanationThe essay was written and published shortly after the Great Fire of London, during the Restoration of Charles II.
3. Which character defends English drama in the essay?
- A) Crites
- B) Eugenius
- C) Lisideius
- D) Neander
AnswerD) Neander
ExplanationNeander, often seen as Dryden’s own voice, supports English drama for its energy, naturalness, and character diversity.
4. What are the three unities discussed in the essay?
- A) Unity of Style, Theme, and Language
- B) Unity of Time, Place, and Action
- C) Unity of Plot, Character, and Dialogue
- D) Unity of Tragedy, Comedy, and Satire
AnswerB) Unity of Time, Place, and Action
ExplanationThese unities come from Aristotle’s Poetics and were widely debated during the Renaissance and Restoration periods.
5. Which drama does Lisideius prefer?
- A) English drama for its variety
- B) Greek drama for its structure
- C) French drama for its order and regularity
- D) Italian drama for its operatic elements
AnswerC) French drama for its order and regularity
ExplanationLisideius admires the French for their adherence to dramatic unities and elegant structure.
6. According to Neander, what is the chief merit of English drama?
- A) Strict adherence to rules
- B) Blending of tragic and comic elements
- C) Use of rhyme in dialogue
- D) Limitation to a single plot
AnswerB) Blending of tragic and comic elements
ExplanationEnglish drama often uses tragicomedy, creating a richer, more complex experience.
How to Prepare for MCQs on This Essay
To score well on tests related to Dryden’s essay, students should
- Read the essay thoroughly to understand character viewpoints.
- Memorize key terms such as unities, mimesis, and tragicomedy.
- Practice previous exam questions and mock tests.
- Focus on historical context to connect the essay with broader literary movements.
Critical Significance of the Essay
Dryden’s essay not only reflects the literary debates of the Restoration era but also lays the foundation for modern literary criticism. It bridges classical principles and emerging modern ideas, offering insights into dramatic theory that remain relevant today. For students, mastering the concepts discussed in this essay is essential for understanding the evolution of drama and literary thought in English literature.
An Essay of Dramatic Poesy continues to be an essential text for anyone studying English literature and dramatic theory. Preparing through MCQs is an effective way to test and strengthen understanding of its concepts. By focusing on the characters, historical context, and thematic discussions, students can appreciate Dryden’s contribution to critical thought and excel in literature examinations.