🖋️ About the Author: John Dryden (1631–1700)
John Dryden was a leading poet, playwright, and critic of the Restoration period. He is known for his political satires and heroic couplets. Absalom and Achitophel (1681) is his most famous political poem.
📘 About the Poem
Absalom and Achitophel is a political allegory based on the biblical story of Absalom’s rebellion against King David. Dryden uses this story to reflect the political events of his time, especially the Exclusion Crisis in England.
In the poem:
- King David represents King Charles II.
- Absalom represents Charles’s illegitimate son, the Duke of Monmouth.
- Achitophel represents the Earl of Shaftesbury, a political figure who encouraged rebellion.
📜 Part-wise Summary
🔸 Part I:
1️⃣ The Introduction
Dryden begins by describing a peaceful nation under King David. However, unrest grows due to ambitious politicians who manipulate the people.
“In pious times, ere priestcraft did begin, / Before polygamy was made a sin.”
2️⃣ The Description of King David
King David (Charles II) is presented as a wise and kind ruler. He has many mistresses and illegitimate children, but he loves his son Absalom the most.
“David, indulgent to his favourite son, / Appoints him General, and supplies his throne.”
3️⃣ Absalom’s Character
Absalom (Duke of Monmouth) is handsome, brave, and loved by the people. However, he is easily influenced and becomes a tool for political rebellion.
4️⃣ The Role of Achitophel
Achitophel (Earl of Shaftesbury) is clever but dangerous. He wants to remove King David from the throne. He uses flattery and manipulation to persuade Absalom to lead a rebellion.
“Great wits are sure to madness near allied, / And thin partitions do their bounds divide.”
5️⃣ The Political Satire
Dryden mocks the Whigs (the political group that opposed King Charles II). He describes their greed and selfishness through characters in the poem. The poem criticizes how political leaders exploit religious fears to gain power.
6️⃣ The Temptation of Absalom
Achitophel convinces Absalom to rebel by playing on his pride and ambition. He tells him that the people will support him because of his popularity.
“Auspicious youth! thy longing country's eyes / Already see thee rising in the skies.”
7️⃣ King David’s Speech
King David addresses the rebels with wisdom and patience. He defends his rule, reminding them of his service to the nation. He warns against rebellion and the dangers of civil war.
“Beware the fury of a patient man.”
8️⃣ The Ending of Part I
The poem ends with the fate of the conspirators still undecided. Dryden leaves the conclusion open, as the real-life political situation was still developing at the time.
🌟 Major Themes
- Political Satire: Dryden criticizes political ambition and manipulation.
- Loyalty vs. Rebellion: The poem explores the conflict between personal ambition and loyalty to the king.
- Religion and Politics: Dryden shows how religion is misused for political gain.
🔍 Literary Devices
- Allegory: Biblical characters represent real political figures.
- Heroic couplets: The poem is written in rhyming pairs of iambic pentameter.
- Irony and Wit: Dryden uses sharp wit to criticize the political leaders of his time.
👥 Character Mapping
- King David = King Charles II
- Absalom = Duke of Monmouth (Charles’s illegitimate son)
- Achitophel = Earl of Shaftesbury (political schemer)
- Zimri, Shimei, and Corah: Represent other political figures of the time.
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