Thinking Activity on Dryden's Essay on Dramatic poesy

Thinking Activity on Dryden's Essay on Dramatic poesy

(1) Do you find any difference between Aristotle's definition of Tragedy and Dryden's definition of play?
=> Aristotle's definition of Tragedy :-

  "Tragedy is an imitation of an action that is serious, complete and of a certain magnitude; in language embellished with each kind of artistic ornaments, the several kinds being found in separate parts of the play; in the form of action, not of  narrative; through pity and fear effecting the proper purgation of these emotions."

=> Dryden's definition of play :- 

    "A play ought to be a just and lively image of human nature, representing its passions and humour and the changes of fortune to which it is subject for delight and instruction of mankind."

         Aristotle says tragedy is serious action. And In Dryden's definition of play Dryden says just and lively image of human nature. In tragedy pity and fear is there. Both are important in tragedy. Pity and fear creates tragedy. And In play instruction of mankind and delight is there. Delight and instruction of mankind is important in play. In Aristotle's definition Catharsis is there and In Dryden's definition delight is there.

(2) If you are supposed to give your personal predilection, would you be on the side of the Ancient or the Modern? Please give reasons.
=> Ancients and Moderns both are important. Both are attached with together for some points. There is a relationship between past and present, humanity and nature and knowledge. In the age of Dryden there is the most important debate on the comparative merits and demerits of the ancients  and moderns.Ancient closely observed nature and faithfully represented her in their work. The moderns have new ideas, new techniques of writing. Ancient and both are better. It is difficult to judge them. 

(3) Do you think that the arguments presented in favour of the French plays and against English plays are appropriate? (Say for example, Death should not to be performed as it is neither 'just' not 'lively' image, displaying duel fight with blunted swords, thousands of soldiers marching represented as five on stage, mingling of mirth and serious, multiple plots etc.) 
=> French play writer follows the Ancients style, techniques of writing. And English play writer follows the moderns style, technique of writing. French plays does not divided into act and scenes. But English plays divided into act and scenes. That's why French plays boring in comparison of English plays. In English plays there is a mixture of tragic and comic elements. Lisideus is in fever of French plays and Neander is in fever of modern plays. Neander represents the thoughts of Dryden. Lisideus says in french plays clarity is there. And Neander says in English plays satisfaction is there. In French plays smallness, pursuit of one plot, Little action, Narrowness of imagination is there. And In English plays is longer. And English play have Subplots, More Action and Broadness of imagination is there. 

(4) what would be your preference so far as poetic or prosaic dialogues are concerned in the play? 
=>  I would like to prefer poetic dialogues in the play. Poetic dialogues are in form of Blank Verse or Rhyme. So It gives a new charm. Poetic dialogues helpful to describes a important situations or incidents. Poetic dialogues pleases to reader or audience. Audience does not becomes bored while watching the play or reading the play.