Dryden’s 'Mac Flecknoe' is a quintessential example of neoclassical satire. It adheres to the period's aesthetic values by utilizing a highly structured heroic couplet form, invoking classical epic conventions to mock contemporary figures, and maintaining a tone of refined, intellectual wit. By contrasting the grandeur of classical literary tradition with the perceived mediocrity of his target, Dryden demonstrates the neoclassical commitment to order, decorum, and the imitation of ancient models.

John Dryden's 'Absalom and Achitophel' is a masterful political satire written in heroic couplets. It allegorically depicts the Exclusion Crisis of 1679–1681, a period of intense political and religious tension in England. The poem uses biblical figures to represent contemporary political actors, reflecting the deep divisions between the Whigs and Tories regarding the succession to the throne and the role of Catholicism.

Published in 1667, 'Annus Mirabilis' (Year of Wonders) commemorates the events of 1666 in London. Dryden uses the poem to frame the Great Plague and the Great Fire of London not merely as disasters, but as trials that demonstrate the resilience of the English people and the strength of the restored monarchy under Charles II. The poem serves as a piece of political propaganda intended to bolster national morale and confidence in the King's leadership.

In the allegory of Dryden's poem, Absalom represents James Scott, the first Duke of Monmouth, who was the illegitimate son of King Charles II. The poem depicts Monmouth's rebellion against his father, mirroring the biblical story of Absalom's revolt against King David. This satire was written to defend the King and the Tory cause during the Exclusion Crisis.

John Dryden, in the preface to his 'Fables, Ancient and Modern' (1700), famously called Geoffrey Chaucer the 'father of English poetry.' He praised Chaucer's ability to capture the English language and human nature with remarkable wit and observational skill.

In the 17th and 18th centuries, 'wit' was a highly valued intellectual quality. It referred to the capacity for rapid, clever association of ideas, the ability to craft ingenious metaphors, and a sharp, discerning intelligence that could identify resemblances between disparate objects or concepts.

Samuel Johnson, in his 'Lives of the Most Eminent English Poets', bestowed the title 'Father of English Criticism' upon John Dryden. Johnson recognized Dryden's foundational role in establishing critical standards for English literature, noting that Dryden was the first to teach the nation how to write and judge with systematic principles.

John Dryden provided this influential definition of a play in his critical essay 'An Essay of Dramatic Poesy' (1668). He argued that drama should reflect human nature accurately and vividly. This statement remains a cornerstone of Neoclassical dramatic theory, emphasizing the mimetic function of theatre in representing the complexities of human behavior and social interaction during the Restoration period.

The complete line from John Dryden's 'Absalom and Achitophel' is 'Who think too little, and who talk too much.' This satirical characterization is directed at political figures of his time, highlighting the folly of those who prioritize rhetoric and noise over substantive reflection. It remains a classic example of Dryden's sharp, biting wit and his ability to encapsulate character flaws in concise, memorable verse.

A heroic couplet is a specific poetic form consisting of two lines of rhyming verse, typically written in iambic pentameter. This style is often used in English poetry to convey a sense of grandeur and elegance, and is commonly found in epic and heroic poems. The form is characterized by its closed structure, where the thought is often completed within the two lines, providing a sense of balance and resolution.