says it is better than ancient Greek and Roman plays Crites Defends classical Greek and Roman drama and criticizes modern plays Lisideius Favors French drama and says it is superior to both English and classical plays Neander Dryden himself Defends English drama especially Shakespeare and Jonson and argues that plays should entertain audiences rather than strictly follow rules This structure makes criticism lively and interesting not dry or boring Dryden does not force his opinion He allows different views then carefully judges them Through this method he teaches readers how to think This is a new and mature form of criticism in English literature He clearly states that the purpose of drama is For the delight and benefit of mankind This simple idea becomes the base of his criticism Balance Between Rules and Freedom Dryden s criticism is marked by balance and moderation He respects classical rules especially Aristotle s ideas But he does not accept them blindly He believes rules are helpful but they must not destroy life and passion Dryden supports English drama even though it breaks the three unities He believes drama should please the audience first He says drama is A just and lively image of human nature in its actions passions and fortunes This balanced attitude makes Dryden a practical critic not a rigid theorist Defense of English Drama and Shakespeare Another major contribution is Dryden s defense of English drama He compares English drama with French drama He proves English drama is superior in passion character and variety Dryden suggests that French plays feel like statues while English plays feel like living people Dryden writes about French plays They are indeed the Beauties of a Statue but not of a Man He strongly defends Shakespeare Though Shakespeare breaks rules Dryden praises his deep understanding of human nature Dryden believes natural genius is more important than strict correctness He admits Shakespeare s faults but still respects his greatness This honest and fair judgment shows Dryden s critical maturity Clear Ideas on Verse and Rhyme Dryden also contributes greatly by discussing rhyme and blank verse in drama He explains both sides carefully Through Neander he defends rhyme in serious plays Through Crites he presents objections Dryden believes verse can be natural if written carefully He says drama is Nature wrought up to a higher pitch This idea is very important in literary criticism It shows that drama is not everyday speech but an elevated form of life Simple and Clear Critical Language Dryden s critical language is simple clear and direct He avoids difficult theory His examples come from actual plays and poets This makes his criticism useful and understandable He also accepts that criticism is not fixed He is ready to change his views later This flexibility makes him a modern critic In conclusion Dryden s contribution to English literary criticism is great and lasting He introduces a logical method balances rules and freedom and defends English drama His criticism is practical fair and human He teaches us that literature should delight instruct and reflect life For these reasons John Dryden stands as the father of English literary criticism