Question

Alexander Pope produced an edition of Shakespeare in 1725, for which, he was vehemently criticized by the Shakespearean scholars of his time. One of the scholars exposed Pope’s mistakes in his Shakespeare Restored (1726). Pope retaliated by making this scholar the occupant of the throne of dullness in his The Dunciad. Who among the following is/are NOT the Shakespearean scholar(s) alluded to?

• A. Lewis Theobald
• B. John Dryden
• C. Samuel Johnson
• D. Colley Cibber

Hint:

When studying literary feuds and criticism, examine the historical context of rivalries and how they influenced the works of both the critics and the writers involved.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B, C, D

Identify the scholars and their roles.

(A) Lewis Theobald was a scholar who criticized Pope’s edition of Shakespeare and published Shakespeare Restored.
(B) John Dryden was a prominent poet and critic, but he was not directly involved in the controversy with Pope. Thus, he is not the scholar alluded to in The Dunciad.
(C) Samuel Johnson was another major figure in literary criticism, but he was not involved in this particular dispute with Pope.
(D) Colley Cibber was an actor and playwright who was part of Pope’s criticism but not the scholar exposed in Shakespeare Restored.

Final Answer: Option \( \boxed{(B)\ \text{John Dryden},\ (C)\ \text{Samuel Johnson},\ (D)\ \text{Colley Cibber}} \) is correct.