Evaluating Statements on John Dryden
To determine the correct statements about John Dryden, let's analyze each option:
Statement Analysis
Statement A: Dryden as Greatest Modern Age Figure
- Claim: Dryden is the greatest literary figure of the Modern Age.
- Analysis: John Dryden (1631-1700) primarily belongs to the Restoration Period and the early Augustan Age. The Modern Age in literature typically refers to the period starting around the early 20th century.
- Conclusion: This statement is incorrect.
Statement B: Dryden as Restoration Period Figure
- Claim: Dryden is the literary figure of the Restoration Period.
- Analysis: Dryden was a dominant and influential writer during England's Restoration period (post-1660). His works significantly shaped the literature of this era.
- Conclusion: This statement is correct.
Statement C: Dryden Reflects Age's Tendencies
- Claim: In Dryden, we have an excellent reflection of both the good and the evil tendencies of the age.
- Analysis: Dryden's writings, including his poetry, plays, and criticism, often engaged with and mirrored the political, social, and religious climate of his time, reflecting its complexities and contradictions.
- Conclusion: This statement is correct.
Statement D: Dryden as First Novelist
- Claim: Dryden is considered the first novelist to make the scene essential to the action.
- Analysis: Dryden was primarily a poet, playwright, and critic. While influential, he is not recognized as the pioneer novelist making scenes essential to the plot; this distinction belongs to later writers.
- Conclusion: This statement is incorrect.
Statement E: Dryden's Marriage Date
- Claim: In 1815, Dryden married Miss Gordon.
- Analysis: John Dryden died in the year 1700. The date 1815 is therefore incorrect for his marriage.
- Conclusion: This statement is incorrect.
Conclusion
Based on the analysis, only statements B and C are factually correct regarding John Dryden's literary standing and connection to his era.
Therefore, the correct option is the one that includes only B and C.