Task 1: Use the following table to compare John Dryden’s views on

poesy to Sir Philip Sidney’s.

Sir Philip Sidney John Dryden

“[a play is] a just and lively Image of Humane
Definition “Poesy […] is an art of imitation, for so
Aristotle termeth it in his word mimesis, that Nature, representing its Passions and
of poesy is to say, a representing, counterfeiting, or Humours, and the Changes of Fortune to
figuring forth; to speak metaphorically, a which it is subject; for the Delight and
speaking picture, with this end,—to teach Instruction of Mankind.”
and delight.”
the nature of The function of poesy is based on The nature of poesy is baesd more on
poesy (i.e. he teaching and delighting various aspects human nature, a realistic and lively
nature of poesy is of the life and world, which representation of human life, drawn by
sustained by the idea of
imitation, an ideal constructions depend on mimesis. his destiny and changes of fortune.
mimesis of should look a
better world.what it
is)
the aim/ The function of poesy is to teach and The aim of the poesy is for delight and
function of delight various aspects of life directed instruction of mankind, representing a
poesy (i.e. by imitation. wide view on human nature.
what it does)
“the right (stated) (implied)
describing note The distinguishing quality of a good The distinguishing quality of good poet
to know a poet poet is not very much based on verse, is to reflect the reality of human
by” (i.e. the write or rhyme, because the main note nature, being true and dedicated, to
distinguishing is ability of invention and imagination, understand and learn everything they
quality of a good which confers an tasteful overview of see in nature.
 poet) the life by imitation.
Task 2: Describe the structure and the style of Essay of Dramatic Poesy.
What is the literary strategy used by Dryden to express his own views on
drama? Use the following table to summarise briefly each character’s
position on the various issues they discuss.
ancient vs. modern French vs. English Shakespeare vs.
drama drama Jonson

Crites

Eugenius

Lisideius
Neander