English Literature and Language

Aristotle's Poetics John Dryden's "Essay of Dramatic Poesy" Introduction The Essay Of Dramatic Poesie (1668) by John Dryden takes up an important place in English neoclassical criticism. Written in the form of a dialogue during the Restoration, the text interferes with the prevailing debate of the time, the contest between Ancients and Moderns, but also interacts with the national discursive tradition of English versus French theatrical conventions. Dryden, through the character of Neander, justifies artistic flexibility and encourages the inclusion of classical principles and the new and uniquely English traditions of drama. The Essay still provides a crucial understanding of how the 17th-century commentators attempted to balance traditional legacy with creative advances in art. Structure and Context The  Essay  is formed as a conversation among four characters on a boat: Crites  (Sir Robert Howard): Champions the  Ancients  (Greek/Roman writers)...

  Introduction Sir Philip Sidney (1554–1586) remains a cornerstone of Renaissance literary theory. His An Apology for Poetry (1595) is a seminal defense of literature against Puritan attacks, repositioning poetry as a vehicle for moral and intellectual enlightenment. This newsletter unpacks Sidney’s arguments, biography, and legacy, with detailed explanations of technical terms to aid scholarly comprehension. Biography Sidney’s life epitomized the Renaissance ideal of the "courtier-poet": Born : November 30, 1554, in Penshurst, England, to a noble family. Education : Studied at Shrewsbury School and Christ Church, Oxford. Traveled Europe (1572–1575), mastering languages (Latin, French, Italian) and absorbing humanist thought. Political Career : Served as courtier, diplomat, and Governor of Flushing (1585). Knighted in 1583. Literary Circle : Associated with Edmund Spenser and Fulke Greville. Penned Astrophel and Stella (sonnets), Arcadia (prose romance), and The Lady ...