ODD TO AUTUMN

“Father of English Criticism, a. BEN JONSON THE FIRST ENG CRITIC, DRYDEN THE FATHER OF CRITICISM: Jonson is known as the first English critic but Dryden as the father of English criticism. It was Dr Johnson who conferred the title of ‘The Father of English Criticism’ on Dryden. Saintsbury, T.S. Eliot and many other modern critics support Dr. Johnson’s views. Of course by saying that Ben Jonson is the first critic of England Dryden’s position has not been degraded. That remark is based on the historical priority of Jonson and no on introducing the new rules being introduced by him. However, Jonson, contemporary of Shakespear, faced boldly the practical problems of the literature and literary aspirants of the day. Dryden admired Jonson for various reasons but no for any merit of originality/introducing new ideas in literature. Jonson was ruthless/pitiless/cruel in his “liberal classicism” whereas Dryden was very tolerant. If it is a question of critical output, Jonson was, limited in critical range, and, vague and precise in output. Dryden was fortunately, in possession of a rich and diverse literary tradition behind him enabling him to produce more creative, productive and refined critical output. This fact entitles him to the position of the father of English practical criticism. b. DRYDEN’S BOLD AND FREE SPIRIT: Dryden’s affection for English literature was certainly deep and he had the courage of passion. He was never in favour of set rules and definitions being formulated by some French critics. Dryden was also well aware of some of the critics who were not in favour of these rules. So he was successful in realizing and hence clearing for himself the ground by brushing away all illogical bans upon freedom of composition and thought. The boldness displayed by Dryden in refusing to give slavish respect to Aristotle is also commendable. He clearly points out that Aristotle himself would have appreciated