What does Dryden most likely mean when he refers to making a malefactor die sweetly in satirical writing?

This phrase, "making a malefactor die sweetly," is a clever play on words used by John Dryden, a prominent English poet and playwright. It is most likely a satirical reference to the practice of writing about criminals in a way that glorifies or romanticizes their deeds.

Here's why:

* "Malefactor" refers to a person who commits a crime.

* "Die sweetly" implies a peaceful or pleasant death, often associated with heroism or martyrdom.

Dryden was known for his satirical wit, and this phrase suggests that he's mocking writers who present criminals in a positive light, perhaps by focusing on their charisma, their tragic backstory, or by justifying their actions.

Here are some possible interpretations of his meaning:

* Irony: Dryden might be sarcastically suggesting that criminal acts are somehow "sweet" or deserving of admiration. This irony exposes the absurdity of glorifying criminals.

* Critique of Romanticism: Dryden might be criticizing a trend of writing about criminals that emphasized their emotional depth or personal struggles, potentially overlooking the gravity of their crimes.

* Humorous exaggeration: Dryden might be exaggerating the tendency to write about criminals in a melodramatic or sensationalist way.

Ultimately, the precise meaning of this phrase depends on the context in which Dryden used it. However, it's safe to say that it's a satirical jab at writers who sensationalize or glorify crime in their work.