Fry, Christopher (Vol. 14) - Introduction

Fry, Christopher 1907–

Born Christopher Fry Harris, Fry is a British dramatist, screenwriter, translator, critic, and children's author. Using the form of the verse play, he mingles drama and poetic language, humor and tragedy, metaphysics and wit in an Elizabethan richness that invites comparison with Shakespeare and T. S. Eliot. Also Elizabethan is his incorporation of verbal ornament into the actual meaning of the play, creating an elegant view of reality. The unconscious effect of poetry and word sounds is drawn upon for dramatic impact. Fry celebrates life in his work, often using religious and historical themes. His optimism has been criticized by some as escapism. (See also CLC, Vol. 2, 10, and Contemporary Authors, Vols. 17-20, rev. ed.)