CONTENTS. BOOK III-THE CLASSIC AGE CHAPTER II. Bryden. 1. Dryden's beginnings-Close of the poetic ageCause of literary decline and regeneration n. Family-Education-Studies PAGE 1 Reading Habits ships Quarrels-Harmony of his life and talent III. The theatres re-opened and transformed-The new public and the new taste-Dramatic theories of Dryden-His judgment of the old English theatre-His judgment of the new French theatre-Composite works-Incongruities of his drama-Tyrannic Love-Grossness of his characters-The Indian Emperor, Aureng-zebe, Almanzor 1. Style of his drama Rhymed verse Flowery diction-Pedantic tirades-Want of agreement between the classical style and romantic events -How Dryden borrows and mars the inventions of Shakspeare and Milton-Why this drama fell to the ground Merits of this drama- Characters of Antony and 3 6 21 29 |