On the Congeniality in Spirit between John Dryden and Early Royal Society: The Influence of Science Upon Literature

Abstract

It was in the seventeenth century that English society underwent significant social changes. The early Royal Society of London was established in this century and dedicated itself to the progress of natural science. The founding of Royal Society not only represented the leading competitiveness in science but also strengthened national self-confidence. As a representative poet, dramatist, and critic in the age of Restoration, John Dryden was chosen a member of the newly instituted Royal Society. During his contact with Royal Society, the congeniality radiating from the spirit of Royal Society drew Dryden closer to it. Under the influence, Dryden not only deepened his understanding of the skeptical way of thinking, but also applied scientific way of thinking and scientific discoveries to his writing, and even echoed with the rhetorical ideal of Royal Society in the manners of discourse.