"Of Dramatick Poesy: An Essay" (1668) by John Dryden is a literary dialogue in which four characters — Eugenius, Crites, Lisideius, and Neander — discuss the nature of drama, its merits, and various national styles (Greek, Roman, French, and English drama). Each character represents a particular viewpoint or real-life figure.
Crites: Often interpreted as Sir Robert Howard, Dryden’s brother-in-law, defends classical drama (Greek and Roman), argues against modern plays.
Eugenius: Likely Charles Sackville (Earl of Dorset), defends modern English drama over classical drama.
Lisideius: Possibly Sir Charles Sedley, praises French drama (especially Corneille and Racine) for its structure and decorum.
Neander: John Dryden himself, argues in favor of English drama, especially the works of Shakespeare, and supports a blend of classical unities with modern innovations.
Why Neander = John Dryden:
Name Meaning: "Neander" is derived from the Greek for "new man", implying a progressive thinker — a fitting pseudonym for Dryden, who often advocated for a middle path between rigid classicism and the freer style of English drama.
Argument Style: Neander provides the most balanced and evolved perspective, defending Shakespeare and the English way of blending tragic and comic elements — a position Dryden publicly held.
Historical Consensus: Most literary scholars agree Neander is a self-insertion by Dryden to express his own critical views.
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