'To My Dear Friend Mr. Congreve On His Commedy Call'd The Double Dealer' by John Dryden
AI and Tech Aggregator
Download Mp3s Free
Tears of the Kingdom Roleplay
Best Free University Courses Online
TOTK Roleplay
Well then; the promis'd hour is come at last;
The present age of wit obscures the past:
Strong were our sires; and as they fought they writ,
Conqu'ring with force of arms, and dint of wit;
Theirs was the giant race, before the Flood;
And thus, when Charles return'd, our empire stood.
Like Janus he the stubborn soil manur'd,
With rules of husbandry the rankness cur'd:
Tam'd us to manners, when the stage was rude;
And boisterous English wit, with art endu'd.
Our age was cultivated thus at length;
But what we gained in skill we lost in strength.
Our builders were, with want of genius, curst;
The second temple was not like the first:
Till you, the best Vitruvius, come at length;
Our beauties equal; but excel our strength.
Firm Doric pillars found your solid base:
The fair Corinthian crowns the higher space;
Thus all below is strength, and all above is grace.
In easy dialogue is Fletcher's praise:
He mov'd the mind, but had not power to raise.
Great Jonson did by strength of judgment please:
Yet doubling Fletcher's force, he wants his ease.
In differing talents both adorn'd their age;
One for the study, t'other for the stage.
But both to Congreve justly shall submit,
One match'd in judgment, both o'er-match'd in wit.
In him all beauties of this age we see;
Etherege's courtship, Southern's purity;
The satire, wit, and strength of manly Wycherly.
All this in blooming youth you have achiev'd;
Nor are your foil'd contemporaries griev'd;
So much the sweetness of your manners move,
We cannot envy you because we love.
Fabius might joy in Scipio, when he saw
A beardless Consul made against the law,
And join his suffrage to the votes of Rome;
Though he with Hannibal was overcome.
Thus old Romano bow'd to Raphael's fame;
And scholar to the youth he taught, became.
Oh that your brows my laurel had sustain'd,
Well had I been depos'd, if you had reign'd!
The father had descended for the son;
For only you are lineal to the throne.
Thus when the State one Edward did depose;
A greater Edward in his room arose.
But now, not I, but poetry is curs'd;
For Tom the second reigns like Tom the first.
But let 'em not mistake my patron's part;
Nor call his charity their own desert.
Yet this I prophesy; thou shalt be seen,
(Tho' with some short parenthesis between:)
High on the throne of wit; and seated there,
Not mine (that's little) but thy laurel wear.
Thy first attempt an early promise made;
That early promise this has more than paid.
So bold, yet so judiciously you dare,
That your least praise, is to be regular.
Time, place, and action, may with pains be wrought,
But genius must be born; and never can be taught.
This is your portion; this your native store;
Heav'n that but once was prodigal before,
To Shakespeare gave as much; she could not give him more.
Maintain your post: that's all the fame you need;
For 'tis impossible you should proceed.
Already I am worn with cares and age;
And just abandoning th' ungrateful stage:
Unprofitably kept at Heav'n's expense,
I live a rent-charge on his providence:
But you, whom ev'ry muse and grace adorn,
Whom I foresee to better fortune born,
Be kind to my remains; and oh defend,
Against your judgment your departed friend!
Let not the insulting foe my fame pursue;
But shade those laurels which descend to you:
And take for tribute what these lines express:
You merit more; nor could my love do less.
Editor 1 Interpretation
A Literary Criticism of John Dryden's "To My Dear Friend Mr. Congreve On His Comedy Call'd The Double Dealer"
Have you ever read a poem that perfectly captures the essence of friendship and admiration for someone's work? Well, look no further because John Dryden's "To My Dear Friend Mr. Congreve On His Comedy Call'd The Double Dealer" does exactly that. In this poem, Dryden not only expresses his deep appreciation for Congreve's play, but he also showcases his own poetic prowess through his use of language, imagery, and structure.
Background Information
Before diving into the analysis of the poem, it is important to have some contextual information about both the poem and the play it references. "The Double Dealer" was a play written by Congreve and first performed in 1693. It was a comedy that explored themes of deception, love, and betrayal. The play was met with mixed reviews, but Dryden was one of its most vocal supporters.
Dryden was a prominent poet and playwright during the Restoration era in England. He was known for his witty and satirical writing style, and he was also a close friend of Congreve's. In fact, Dryden was a mentor to Congreve and helped shape his writing style. "To My Dear Friend Mr. Congreve On His Comedy Call'd The Double Dealer" was written in 1694, a year after the play's premiere. It is a poem that celebrates Congreve's success and acknowledges the hard work that went into creating "The Double Dealer".
Analysis of the Poem
The poem is structured as a series of four-line stanzas, each with a rhyme scheme of ABAB. This creates a steady rhythm and flow to the poem, which is fitting for a work that celebrates a successful play. The poem is also written in iambic pentameter, which is a common poetic form in English literature. This means that each line has ten syllables, with the emphasis on every other syllable. This creates a musical quality to the poem that adds to its celebratory tone.
The opening lines of the poem set the stage for what is to come:
Well then; the promis'd hour is come at last; The present age of wit obscures the past: Strong were our sires; and as they fought they writ, Conqu'ring with force of arms, and dint of wit:
Dryden is acknowledging the greatness of the past, but he also recognizes that the present age has its own strengths. This is a common theme in Restoration literature, which often looked back to the past for inspiration but also celebrated the innovations of the present. Dryden goes on to describe the current state of literature, saying that it is "A battle of the books" and that "Each age has its peculiar vein". This shows that Dryden is aware of the literary trends of his time and acknowledges that they are constantly changing.
The poem then turns its attention to "The Double Dealer", Congreve's play. Dryden praises the play's wit and humor, saying that it is "Rich in invention, and full of wit". He also notes that the play's success is due in part to Congreve's talent as a writer, saying that he "With piercing force, and a new edge, has writ". Dryden's use of language here is particularly effective. The phrase "piercing force" conveys the idea that Congreve's writing has a sharpness and precision to it, while "new edge" suggests that he is pushing the boundaries of what has been done before.
Dryden then turns to the characters in the play, praising their depth and complexity. He says that they are "More than a thousand studies took in hand", which suggests that Congreve put a great deal of effort into creating fully realized characters. Dryden also notes that the play's themes of deception and betrayal are timely and relevant, saying that they "Suit ev'ry age, and charmed ev'ry ear".
The poem ends with a final message of congratulations to Congreve:
Congreve shall still be sung; for (who can fear His Muse should languish, when his plays are there?) Whilst nobler writers write, he shall be great; Nor his, nor any name shall Time defeat.
This closing stanza reinforces the idea that Congreve's work will stand the test of time. Dryden seems to suggest that Congreve's writing is on par with that of "nobler writers", and that he will be remembered for his contributions to literature.
Interpretation of the Poem
Overall, "To My Dear Friend Mr. Congreve On His Comedy Call'd The Double Dealer" is a poem that celebrates the success of a friend's work while also acknowledging the larger literary trends of the time. Dryden's use of language is particularly effective, as he employs phrases that convey the sharpness and precision of Congreve's writing. The poem also serves as a commentary on the state of literature in the Restoration era, with Dryden acknowledging the greatness of the past while also celebrating the innovations of the present.
One interpretation of the poem is that it showcases the importance of friendship and mentorship in the creative process. Dryden's support of Congreve was crucial to the success of his play, and his mentorship helped shape Congreve's writing style. The poem can be seen as a testament to the power of collaboration and the importance of having people in your life who support your artistic endeavors.
Another interpretation of the poem is that it highlights the role of the artist in society. Dryden suggests that writers have a responsibility to reflect the world around them, and that their work can have a lasting impact on future generations. He also acknowledges that the literary landscape is constantly evolving, and that writers must adapt to stay relevant.
In conclusion, "To My Dear Friend Mr. Congreve On His Comedy Call'd The Double Dealer" is a poem that celebrates the success of a friend's work while also offering commentary on the state of literature in the Restoration era. Dryden's use of language and structure is particularly effective, creating a celebratory and musical tone to the poem. The poem can be interpreted as a testament to the power of friendship and mentorship in the creative process, as well as a reflection on the role of the artist in society.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry To My Dear Friend Mr. Congreve On His Commedy Call'd The Double Dealer: A Masterpiece of Satire and Wit
John Dryden, one of the greatest poets of the Restoration period, wrote Poetry To My Dear Friend Mr. Congreve On His Commedy Call'd The Double Dealer in 1693. The poem is a tribute to William Congreve, a young playwright who had just made his debut with his play The Double Dealer. Dryden's poem is not only a celebration of Congreve's talent but also a masterful example of satire and wit.
The Double Dealer is a play that explores the themes of deception, betrayal, and manipulation. The plot revolves around a group of characters who are all involved in various schemes and plots to deceive each other. The play is a biting commentary on the corrupt and hypocritical society of the time. Dryden's poem is a reflection of this same sentiment.
The poem begins with Dryden addressing Congreve as his "dear friend" and congratulating him on the success of his play. Dryden then goes on to praise Congreve's talent as a playwright, describing him as a "young eagle" who has "soared above his nest." This metaphorical language is a testament to Congreve's skill as a writer and his ability to rise above the mediocrity of his contemporaries.
Dryden then turns his attention to the play itself, describing it as a "comedy of the highest strain." He praises Congreve's ability to create complex characters who are both "villains and heroes" at the same time. This is a reference to the moral ambiguity of the characters in The Double Dealer, who are all involved in various acts of deception and betrayal.
Dryden also praises Congreve's use of language, describing it as "polished and refined." He notes that Congreve's dialogue is "sparkling with wit" and that his characters are "full of life and spirit." This is a reference to the clever wordplay and sharp humor that is present throughout the play.
However, Dryden's poem is not just a simple tribute to Congreve's talent. It is also a commentary on the society of the time. Dryden uses the play as a metaphor for the corrupt and hypocritical nature of the Restoration period. He notes that the characters in The Double Dealer are all involved in various schemes and plots to deceive each other, just as the people of the time were involved in political and social machinations.
Dryden also uses the poem to criticize the moral decay of the society of the time. He notes that the characters in The Double Dealer are all motivated by greed and self-interest, and that they are willing to betray anyone in order to achieve their goals. This is a reflection of the greed and corruption that was rampant in the society of the time.
Dryden's poem is also a commentary on the role of art in society. He notes that Congreve's play is not just a form of entertainment, but also a reflection of the society in which it was created. He argues that art has the power to reveal the truth about society and to hold a mirror up to its flaws and shortcomings.
In conclusion, Poetry To My Dear Friend Mr. Congreve On His Commedy Call'd The Double Dealer is a masterpiece of satire and wit. It is a tribute to William Congreve's talent as a playwright, but it is also a reflection of the society of the time. Dryden uses the play as a metaphor for the corrupt and hypocritical nature of the Restoration period, and he uses the poem to criticize the moral decay of the society of the time. The poem is a testament to the power of art to reveal the truth about society and to hold a mirror up to its flaws and shortcomings.
Editor Recommended Sites
Babysitting App - Local babysitting app & Best baby sitting online app: Find local babysitters at affordable prices.ML Writing: Machine learning for copywriting, guide writing, book writing
Devops Management: Learn Devops organization managment and the policies and frameworks to implement to govern organizational devops
Networking Place: Networking social network, similar to linked-in, but for your business and consulting services
Neo4j Guide: Neo4j Guides and tutorials from depoloyment to application python and java development
Recommended Similar Analysis
It struck me every day by Emily Dickinson analysisGod's World by Edna St. Vincent Millay analysis
Maid of Athens, ere we part by George Gordon, Lord Byron analysis
Metaphors Of A Magnifico by Wallace Stevens analysis
Spontaneous Me by Walt Whitman analysis
I heard a Fly buzz-when I died by Emily Dickinson analysis
Little Boy Lost, The by William Blake analysis
The Song Of Wandering Aengus by William Butler Yeats analysis
Love 's Last Adieu by George Gordon, Lord Byron analysis
A High-Toned Old Christian Woman by Wallace Stevens analysis