Question

What can we infer about John Dryden’s view of Thomas Shadwell from the passage?

Answer 1

All humane things are subiect to decay,
And when Fate Summons, Monarch's must obey;
This Flecknoe found, who like Augustus young,
Was call'd to Empire, and had Govern'd long;
In Prose and Verse was own'd without Dispute,
Through all the Realms of Nonsense, Absolute;
This Aged Prince now flourishing in Peace,
And blest with Issue of a large Increase,
Worn out with Business, did at length Debate,
To settle the Succession of the State,
And Pond'ring, which of all his Sons were fit
To reign, and Wage Immortal Wars, with Wit,
Cry'd 'tis Resov'd (for Nature pleads, that he
Should only Rule, who most resembles me,)
Shad--- alone my perfect Image Bears,
Mature in Dulness from his Tender Years;
Shad--- alone of all my Sons, is He
Who stands confirm'd in full Stupidity;
The rest, to some faint meaning make Pretence,
But Shad-- never deviates into Sence;

He believes that Shadwell is dull and not worthy of any position of authority.

He considers Shadwell to be immoral and not a worthy heir to the throne.

He feels that Shadwell has matured at such a tender age.

He thinks that Shadwell is boastful and shallow.