Question

In “The Essay of Dramatic Poesy”, which character does represent John Dryden?

• A. Crites
• B. Neander
• C. Lisideius
• D. Eugenius

Hint:

In Dryden's An Essay of Dramatic Poesy, Neander is generally regarded as Dryden's own representative.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1 : Understanding the Question:
This question asks us to identify which of the four speakers in John Dryden's treatise An Essay of Dramatic Poesy serves as his personal representative or spokesperson.

Step 2 : Key Formulas and Approach:
The approach involves analyzing the dramatic structure of Dryden's 1668 critical dialogue. We map each of the four fictional characters—Crites, Eugenius, Lisideius, and Neander—to the historical figures and critical positions they represent.

Step 3 : Detailed Explanation:

• An Essay of Dramatic Poesy is written as a dramatic dialogue set on a boat on the Thames, where four gentlemen debate the merits of various theatrical traditions.

• Crites, representing Sir Robert Howard (Dryden's brother-in-law), defends the classical Greek and Roman dramatists, arguing for strict adherence to ancient rules.

• Eugenius, representing Charles Sackville (Lord Buckhurst), argues in favor of modern English drama, asserting that the moderns have improved upon the classical models.

• Lisideius, representing Sir Charles Sedley, champions the French neoclassical theater of the seventeenth century, praising its strict conformity to the classical unities and its decorum.

• Neander, whose name literally translates to "new man," representing John Dryden himself, offers a balanced defense of modern English drama, particularly praising the variety and vitality of Shakespeare and Fletcher.

Step 4 : Final Answer:
The character who represents John Dryden is Neander, which corresponds to option (B).
The correct option is (B) Neander.