Dryden, John (1631-1700), was the outstanding English writer of the Restoration period (about 1660 to 1700). He excelled as a poet, dramatist, and literary critic. Dryden believed that the individual is part of a society that has its roots in ancient Greece and Rome. He also believed that literature and the arts have value as civilizing forces. As a result, his writings deal with large social, political, and humanistic issues.
Dryden was born on Aug. 19, 1631, in Northamptonshire, and studied at Trinity College, Cambridge. He began writing after moving to London in the late 1650’s. Dryden wrote only poetry at first, but later began writing plays to make a living. His finest play is All for Love (1677), an adaptation of Shakespeare’s Antony and Cleopatra. Dryden simplified Shakespeare’s story and concentrated on the tragic passions of the two famous lovers. He also wrote the heroic drama The Conquest of Granada (1670, 1671), and the sophisticated comedy Marriage a la Mode (1672).
Dryden’s best poems sprang from his involvement with political controversies. In 1668, he was appointed poet laureate and in 1670 became the royal historiographer. He became involved in political disputes between King Charles II and Parliament. A Tory, he joined the king against the Whigs. Dryden’s poem Absalom and Achitophel (1681) is a brilliant political satire based on Absalom’s rebellion against King David, which is described in the Old Testament. The Medal (1682) is an even more biting attack on the Whigs. His most famous poem, MacFlecknoe (1682), is a satire written in mock-epic style against a literary foe, Thomas Shadwell.
Dryden also wrote to defend his religious faith. Religio Laici (1682) is a poem that defends the Church of England against its enemies. Dryden became a Roman Catholic about 1686, and wrote The Hind and the Panther (1687) in defense of Catholicism.
In 1688, King James II, a Catholic, lost his throne. William and Mary, who were Protestants, became king and queen in 1689. Dryden refused to swear allegiance to the new rulers, and he lost his government positions. He wrote a few plays and poems after 1688, but spent much of his time translating works to support himself. Dryden’s most famous translations are the poems of Virgil (1697). “Alexander’s Feast” (1697) is his best poem of the period.
Dryden also wrote much literary criticism. His best works include An Essay of Dramatic Poesy (1668), which expresses his admiration for Shakespeare; and his preface to a collection of fables published in 1700, in which he praised Chaucer. Dryden died on May 1, 1700.
See also English literature (Restoration literature); Song for St. Cecilia’s Day, 1687, A.
