1. Dryden as Father of English Criticism, Neo-Classical Critic and definition of Play
Channel: DoE-MKBU
Date: 2012-06-23

- Dr. Samuel Johnson called Dryden the "father of English criticism" due to Dryden's extensive critical writings and his role in shaping English criticism.
- Dryden is considered a neoclassical critic because he draws influence from classical critics like Aristotle and Longinus in his work.
- Dryden's definition of a play includes three key elements: a "just and lively image of human nature," representing "passions and humors," and providing "delight and instruction to mankind."
- Dryden deviates from Plato's idea of poets as mere copiers by emphasizing the importance of a "lively" image in his definition.
- Dryden's definition also differs from Aristotle's concept of tragedy by placing equal importance on "delight" and "instruction" and emphasizing the representation of life as it is, showing a touch of realism in his approach.