ENGLISH LITERATURE (CBSE/UGC NET)

Detailed explanation-1: -John Dryden, (born August 9 [August 19, New Style], 1631, Aldwinkle, Northamptonshire, England-died May 1 [May 12], 1700, London), English poet, dramatist, and literary critic who so dominated the literary scene of his day that it came to be known as the Age of Dryden.

Detailed explanation-2: -These two poems were designed to dignify and strengthen the monarchy and to invest the young monarch with an aura of majesty, permanence, and even divinity. Thereafter, Dryden’s ambitions and fortunes as a writer were shaped by his relationship with the monarchy.

Detailed explanation-3: -Dryden the poet is best known today as a satirist, although he wrote only two great original satires: Mac Flecknoe (1682) and The Medall (1682). His most famous poem, Absalom and Achitophel (1681) contains several brilliant satiric portraits. But unlike satire, it comes to a final, tragic resolution.

Detailed explanation-4: -During his time at Westminster, Dryden published his first poem-the elegy “Upon the Death of the Lord Hastings”. This was written on the death of his schoolmate Henry, Lord Hastings from smallpox, and alludes to the execution of King Charles I.

Detailed explanation-5: -"MACFLECKNOE: A SATIRE UPON THE TRUE-BLUE PROTESTANT POET T.S.” John Dryden (1684) Although a first authorized published edition of “MacFlecknoe” by John Dryden appeared in Miscellaney Poems in 1684, it had been circulated in unapproved versions since 1682.