Publisher's Synopsis
Discourses on Satire and Epic Poetry is a collection of essays written by John Dryden, one of the most prominent literary figures of the Restoration period in England. The book is divided into two parts, with the first part focusing on satire and the second part on epic poetry.In the first part, Dryden discusses the nature of satire and its role in society. He argues that satire is a powerful tool for social criticism and should be used to expose the flaws and vices of individuals and institutions. He also provides examples of successful satires from ancient and contemporary literature, including the works of Juvenal, Horace, and Ben Jonson.In the second part, Dryden turns his attention to epic poetry, exploring the conventions of the genre and the characteristics that make a successful epic. He discusses the importance of heroic characters, the use of elevated language, and the role of the poet in creating a sense of grandeur and awe. He also provides detailed analyses of several epic poems, including Homer's Iliad and Virgil's Aeneid.Throughout the book, Dryden's writing is marked by his wit, erudition, and keen critical insight. He draws on a wide range of literary and historical sources to support his arguments, and his essays continue to be studied and admired by scholars and readers alike.An heroic poem (truly such) is undoubtedly the greatest work which the soul of man is capable to perform. The design of it is to form the mind to heroic virtue by example; it is conveyed in verse that it may delight while it instructs. The action of it is always one, entire, and great. The least and most trivial episodes or under- actions which are interwoven in it are parts either necessary or convenient to carry on the main design.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.
