Here's a breakdown of Dryden's assessment:
Positive Aspects:
* Originality: Dryden acknowledges Chaucer as the "father of English poetry" and praises his invention and creative use of language. He calls him "the first reformer of our tongue" and admires his ability to "give it a new turn, and to bring it to a polish and maturity which it never had before."
* Humor: Dryden appreciates Chaucer's humor and wit, which he sees as a crucial element in his poetry. He remarks that Chaucer "had a most lively wit, and a most fertile invention."
* Character Development: Dryden recognizes Chaucer's skill in creating vivid and memorable characters. He particularly praises his "skill in painting manners," which he deems to be a defining characteristic of great poetry.
Negative Aspects:
* Language: While acknowledging Chaucer's role in refining the English language, Dryden also points out the limitations of Middle English, calling it "a barbarous dialect." He argues that Chaucer's language is "so obsolete" that it requires "a glossary to understand him."
* Meter: Dryden criticizes Chaucer's use of iambic pentameter, arguing that it is "too rough and unpolished" for the refined taste of his own era. He prefers the smoother and more regular meter used by the poets of his time.
* Style: Dryden finds Chaucer's style to be "too simple and unadorned" and suggests that it lacks the sophistication and elegance of later poets. He feels that Chaucer's poetry is "more like a plain tale than a poem."
Overall Assessment:
Dryden's overall assessment of Chaucer is one of respect and admiration, but he also expresses a degree of distance. He sees Chaucer as a pioneering figure who laid the foundation for English poetry but ultimately considers him to be a product of his own time, whose work requires significant updating to be fully appreciated by a later audience.
It's crucial to note: Dryden's evaluation is a product of his own time and reflects the changing tastes and standards of English poetry in the 17th century. It's not necessarily a definitive judgment of Chaucer's work but rather a reflection of how Dryden and his contemporaries perceived and engaged with the poetry of their literary ancestor.