Dryden as a Satirist: Detailed Analysis of Dryden’s Satire in English Literature
Dryden as a Satirist: Detailed Analysis of Dryden’s Satire in English Literature
John Dryden was a leading poet and critic of English literature. He was a writer of the 17th century. This period is called “Restoration Period”. Dryden is considered the most influential satirist of this era. Satire has a special place in his works. Dryden satirized the politics, society and literary trends of his time.
John Dryden is counted among the great satirists of English literature. His satirical writings clearly present the political and social conditions of the Restoration Period.
Through his satire, Dryden made a sharp attack on power politics, moral decadence and social evils. The deep influence of political satire, social criticism and moral consciousness is visible in his works. Works like “Absalom and Achitophel” are excellent examples of his satirical art.
Dryden's satire is balanced, logical and intellectual, which forces the reader to think. His language is impressive and his style is classical.
According to Dryden, the purpose of satire is not only to laugh. Its main objective is to improve. He believed that the evils of society could be exposed through satire. Dryden's satire is moral and intellectual. There is less bitterness and more logic in it. They avoid personal attacks, but use sharp words when necessary.
Logic and balance are visible in Dryden's satire. They use exaggeration in a limited way. His satire is restrained and polite. They do not use abusive or obscene language. This is why his satire becomes effective. They attack the faults, not the person.
Dryden's satire is mainly based on political and social topics. His famous satirical work is “Absalom and Achitophel”. This is a political satire poem. In this he has taken the help of Biblical story. Through this composition he satirized the political events and leaders of his time. This poem is the best example of Dryden's satirical power.
There is beautiful use of metaphor and symbol in Dryden's satire. They use hints rather than direct accusations. This makes the satire deeper and more effective. His literary style forces the reader to think. This style makes Dryden different from other satirists.
Dryden's language is clear and concise. They avoid difficult words. His style is logical and systematic. Classical discipline is visible in his satire. He was influenced by Roman satirists such as Horace and Juvenal. But he created his own identity.
Dryden's satire also teaches moral lessons. He wanted to show the right direction to the society. His aim was to improve the society, not to humiliate it. That's why his satire, despite being serious, remains balanced. There is sarcasm in it, but not blind condemnation. His thoughts also influence today's readers.
In conclusion, it can be said that Dryden was a great satirist of English literature. His satire is intellectual, moral and balanced. He transformed satire into a serious literary genre. Dryden's satire inspires society to think and improve. Therefore “Dryden Satire” has a very important place in English literature.
Important questions and answers on “Dryden Satire”
Question 1. Why is Dryden called the great satirist of the Restoration Period?
Answer: Dryden wrote an influential satire on the politics and society of the Restoration Period. His satire was logical and balanced. He intelligently exposed the evils of his time. For this reason he is called the great satirist of this period.
Question 2. How is the moral element visible in Dryden's satire?
Answer: Dryden's satire is written with a moral purpose. He wanted to bring improvement in the society. They attack the faults, not the person. His satire makes the reader understand the difference between right and wrong.
Question 3. Mention the classical influence on Dryden's satire.
Answer: Dryden was influenced by the Roman satirists Horace and Juvenal. Classical discipline is visible in his satire. The language is restrained and the thoughts are logical. This classical influence makes his writing serious.
Question 4. What is the role of language in Dryden's satire?
Answer: Dryden's language is simple and clear. They avoid difficult and ambiguous words. His language makes the satire effective. The reader can easily understand his thoughts.
Question 5. How is Dryden's satire different from personal attack?
Answer: Dryden does not make personal condemnations. They satirize social and political ills. Their purpose is not to insult, but to improve. This makes his satire dignified.
Question 6. Explain the technique of satire in “Absalom and Achitophel”.
Answer: Dryden used Biblical narrative in this poem. He used symbols and metaphors. Through this, contemporary politics was satirized. This is the best example of his satirical art.
Question 7. What is the difference between Dryden's satire and comedy?
Answer: Dryden's satire does not merely produce humor. There is serious criticism in this. Humor is light, while satire is deep and thought-provoking. Dryden's satire forces the reader to think.
Question 8. What is the modern importance of Dryden's satire?
Answer: Dryden's satire is relevant even today. Power, politics and social evils still exist. His thoughts also alert modern readers. That is why his satire is important even today.
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