Question

Which of the following statements are correct? A. Dryden is the greatest literary figure of Modern Age. B. Dryden is the literary figure of the Restoration Period. C. In Dryden, we have an excellent reflection of both the good and the evil tendencies of the age in which he lived. D. Dryden is also considered as the first novelist in any language to make the scene an essential element in the action. E. In 1815, Dryden married Miss Gordon.

• A. B and C Only
• B. A, B and C Only
• C. B and D Only
• D. B, C and E Only

Hint:

Dryden is chiefly associated with the Restoration Age, not with the Modern Age.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1 : Understanding the Question:
This question asks us to identify the correct statements regarding the English poet, dramatist, and literary critic John Dryden, chosen from a given set of five statements (A through E).

Step 2 : Key Formulas and Approach:
To solve this, we must evaluate the biographical and literary facts of John Dryden's life (1631--1700). We systematically assess the accuracy of each statement regarding his literary age, his characteristics, and key historical dates to eliminate incorrect assertions and find the correct combination.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
$\bullet$ Statement A claims that Dryden is the greatest literary figure of the Modern Age, which is incorrect because Dryden lived in the seventeenth century, while the Modern Age refers to the twentieth century.
$\bullet$ Statement B claims that Dryden is the key literary figure of the Restoration Period (1660--1700). This is correct, as this era is heavily dominated by his poetry, drama, and prose, often being called the "Age of Dryden".
$\bullet$ Statement C asserts that in Dryden we have an excellent reflection of both the good and the evil tendencies of his age. This is correct because his works capture the intellectual vitality and wit of the Restoration, as well as its political turbulence and moral compromises.
$\bullet$ Statement D describes Dryden as the first novelist to make settings essential to action, which is incorrect; this accolade is typically associated with much later figures like Sir Walter Scott or early eighteenth-century novelists.
$\bullet$ Statement E claims Dryden married Miss Gordon in 1815. This is incorrect because Dryden died in the year 1700, making a marriage in 1815 chronologically impossible.

Step 4 : Final Answer:
By evaluating all statements, we find that only B and C are correct, making option (A) the correct answer.
The correct option is (A) B and C Only.