Dryden

1 8.8

An important English poet, playwright, and critic from the 1600s

proper noun

Literature

: Dryden

14 Virgil, The Aeneid, trans. John Dryden (New York: Heritage, 1944), p. 397.
John Dryden
Dryden and Shadwell
Dryden and Pope

Examples

In English literature classes, we often study the works of Dryden, who is celebrated for his impactful writing.
SARAH: Did you see that book of poetry from the Dryden fellow?

The Favourite (2018)
Now, will you let me do some work, Mr. Dryden?

Lawrence of Arabia (1962)
Social Development Minister Ken Dryden is expected to deliver big things on early childhood education in 2005.

Academic text (2004)
In addition, Dryden uses illustrations from and references to many of the familiar novels of Empire.

Academic text (2000)
Both Dryden and his old enemy, Shadwell, offer brilliant specimens of high Restoration satire.

Academic text (2002)
But, for England, I am ready to call John Donne, Dryden, Pope, Wordsworth and Coleridge, Shelley and Keats, Tennyson, Bridges.

A Matter of Life and Death (1946)
Many students admire the literary contributions of Dryden, especially his poetry and criticism from the Restoration period.
The influence of Dryden on later poets is evident in the way they approach themes of love and tragedy.

Surface Forms

Dryden main

Etymology

Dryden is a family name that comes from an old English place name made of dry ('not wet') and den ('valley'). So it once meant someone from a 'dry valley', which is why the poet John Dryden carried that surname.