John Dryden (1631-1700) [HISTORICAL] (Mentioned various times throughout Chapter 4) was one of the greatest poets of the 17th century. He wrote plays and poetry alongside John Donne, John Milton, William Shakespeare, and Ben Johnson. He went to Cambridge University for his B.A. after attending Westminster School. He set himself apart from other writers of the time with his talent for prose writing. He also translated many classical works to English. These classical works such as Dante's Inferno and the Aeniad influenced his own writing greatly. Many of his poems explore themes of politics and social class. Not only did he write almost thirty plays, but he was a one of the first noted literary critics of his time. He is alluded to by many romantic writers and poets, though not as negatively as Alexander Pope. He died and was buried in Westminster Abbey. 

        Throughout Orlando, by Virginia Woolf, he is referenced as being one of the protagonist's greatest inspirations along with Pope and Addison. When Orlando becomes a writer, she insights the work of these three poets as models for her work.

“John Dryden.” Poetry Foundation, Poetry Foundation, www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/john-dryden.

Sutherland, James. “Verse Satires of John Dryden.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 8 Mar. 2021, www.britannica.com/biography/John-Dryden/Verse-satires.