Introduction
In his critical work An Essay of Dramatic Poesy (1668), John Dryden defends the English dramatic tradition against the criticisms of the French neo-classicists. One of the major issues discussed in the essay is the legitimacy of tragi-comedy, a dramatic form that combines elements of both tragedy and comedy. While classical critics, following Aristotle, preferred a strict separation of tragic and comic elements, Dryden argues that their mixture can enhance dramatic effectiveness and better reflect human experience.
Dryden’s Defence of Tragi-Comedy
Tragi-comedy is a dramatic form in which serious and comic incidents are combined within the same play. It presents characters and situations capable of arousing pity and fear while also providing moments of humour and amusement. English dramatists such as Shakespeare frequently employed this mixed form, and Dryden regarded it as one of the distinctive achievements of English drama.
Dryden defends tragi-comedy on the following grounds: (a) the contraries when placed near, set off each other, (b) continued gravity depresses the spirit; a scene of mirth thrown in-between refreshes. It has the same effect on us as music. In other words, comic scenes provide dramatic relief, though Dryden does not explicitly say so, (c) mirth does not destroy compassion, i.e., the serious effects which tragedy aims at, (d) just as the eye can pass from an unpleasant object to a pleasant one, so also the soul can move from the tragic to the comic, and much more swiftly, (e) The English have perfected a new way of writing not known to the ancients. If they had tragi-comedies, perhaps Aristotle would have revised his rules, and (f) It is all a question of progress, of a change of tastes. The Ancients cannot be a model for all times and countries. “What pleased the Greeks would not satisfy an English audience.” Had Aristotle seen our plays, “he might have changed his mind”. The real test of excellence is not strict adherence to rules or conventions, but whether the aims of drama have been achieved.
Conclusion
Dryden justifies tragi-comedy by focusing on its emotional variety, realism, and appeal to audiences. He rejects the rigid application of classical rules and argues that dramatic excellence should be judged by its effect on the audience rather than by strict adherence to ancient conventions. Through this, Dryden establishes himself as a champion of the English dramatic tradition and a critic who recognised the changing tastes and expectations of different ages and societies.
Also read Commedia dell’arte: Definition, Characters and Examples
