Please give notes on Neoclassical poets especially Dryden, Pope and Goldsmith.

The Neoclassic period, like all other periods, was a
reaction to the period which preceded it, the Renaissance period. The Neoclassists
focused upon the importance of order and restraint. No longer were texts filled with
overzealous ramblings; instead, the texts became simplified by the authors using only
conventional literary devices- and only when absolutely
necessary.

The texts focused upon the ideals as stated by
the classics- this typically involved the order and peace (which came from order)
embraced by the Roman Empire. Neoclassists believed that mankind was constant in their
behavior. Therefore, the ability to succeed or fail has already been proven in the past.
They believed that one should not try to set goals which existed far beyond rational
reasoning; instead, goals should be simplistic so as to insure
success.

John Dryden's poems were created using classic
forms (showing usage of classic ideals) and focused upon the
facts.

Alexander Pope's poems, mirroring Dryden, were
typically written in heroic couplets. But, instead of adhering to the modes of the
classic poets, Pope (in An Essay on Criticism) wished to define
himself as a true poet. In the text, Pope examines the techniques used by the classic
poets so as to define himself as a poet. Pope achieves this by giving credit to the
classic poets regarding their authority on the matter and then shows the importance of
adhering to specific attributes.

Oliver Goldsmith would not
be considered a Neoclassist given he did not adhere to any specific school or ideal. One
could loosely justify "An Elegy on the Death of a Mad Dog" as an example of neoclassic
poetry solely based upon the fact that the poem supports sensibility and
decency.