Here are some of the key ideals that Dryden championed in his works:
* Reason and Logic: Neoclassical writers valued reason and logic above all else. Dryden believed in the power of rational thought to understand the world and to create meaningful art. He emphasized clarity, precision, and order in language and structure.
* Order and Harmony: Neoclassical writers were obsessed with order and harmony. They believed that beauty and excellence were achieved through structure, balance, and restraint. Dryden emphasized the importance of following classical rules and models, such as the unities of time, place, and action in drama.
* Imitation of the Ancients: Neoclassical writers looked to ancient Greek and Roman literature for inspiration and guidance. Dryden believed that the ancients had achieved perfection in art, and that modern writers should strive to emulate their achievements. He praised their ability to create characters, plot, and language that were both believable and inspiring.
* Emphasis on Moral Instruction: Neoclassical writers believed that art should not only entertain but also instruct. Dryden emphasized the importance of morality and virtue in literature, and believed that writers had a duty to teach their audiences about right and wrong.
* Elegance and Refinement: Neoclassical writers valued elegance and refinement in language and style. Dryden believed that writers should strive to use language that was clear, concise, and beautiful. He was a master of the English language and used his skills to create elegant and refined prose and poetry.
Dryden's own works, like his "Essay of Dramatic Poesy" and his plays, are full of examples of these ideals. He defends the rules of classical drama, praises the achievements of ancient writers, and emphasizes the importance of reason, order, and morality in literature.
Here are some examples of how Dryden praises these ideals in his work:
* "Essay of Dramatic Poesy": In this dialogue, Dryden defends the use of classical models and argues for the importance of following the rules of drama. He also praises the works of ancient playwrights like Sophocles and Euripides.
* "An Essay of Heroic Plays": This essay argues that heroic plays should be based on the model of classical epic poetry, with emphasis on noble characters, grand themes, and a clear moral message.
* "The Conquest of Granada": This play demonstrates Dryden's understanding of the rules of classical drama. It follows the unities of time and place, and the characters are driven by noble motives and faced with moral dilemmas.
It's important to remember: While Dryden was a strong advocate for Neoclassical ideals, he was also a complex and evolving writer. He was not afraid to break with tradition when he thought it was necessary, and his later works show a growing interest in more personal and experimental styles.