Absalom and Achitophel

Definition

Absalom and Achitophel is a satirical poem written by John Dryden in 1681 that uses biblical characters to comment on contemporary political issues in England. The poem presents a political allegory, where Absalom symbolizes the rebellious son seeking power and Achitophel represents the cunning advisor who manipulates events for his own gain, reflecting the turmoil of the time.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Dryden wrote Absalom and Achitophel in response to the political conflicts during the reign of Charles II, particularly the issues surrounding succession and the Duke of Monmouth's rebellion.
2. The poem cleverly employs biblical references, using the story of King David's son Absalom as a metaphor for political rebellion against authority.
3. Achitophel, as a character, embodies the role of a manipulative advisor who influences Absalom, paralleling real-life figures in Dryden's time who sought to exploit political unrest.
4. The poem is structured in a series of rhymed couplets and reflects the Neo-classical ideals of order, reason, and clarity in literature.
5. Absalom and Achitophel has been praised for its intricate use of language and its biting commentary on political machinations, influencing future generations of poets and satirists.

Review Questions

• How does Dryden use the characters of Absalom and Achitophel to reflect contemporary political issues?
  • In Absalom and Achitophel, Dryden uses the characters to create a powerful political allegory where Absalom represents rebellious figures seeking power, while Achitophel symbolizes manipulative advisors who exploit such situations. This dynamic mirrors the real-life tensions during Charles II's reign, particularly regarding issues of succession and civil unrest. Through this lens, Dryden critiques both individual ambition and the broader political landscape of his time.
• Discuss how Dryden employs satire in Absalom and Achitophel to critique political figures of his time.
  • Dryden's use of satire in Absalom and Achitophel allows him to cleverly critique key political figures without direct confrontation. By drawing parallels between biblical stories and contemporary politics, he highlights the flaws and ambitions of figures like the Duke of Monmouth. The humor and irony embedded in his portrayal serve to expose their manipulation of public sentiment and their thirst for power, ultimately providing readers with a deeper understanding of the political landscape in Restoration England.
• Evaluate the significance of allegory in Absalom and Achitophel and how it shapes readers' understanding of political authority.
  • The significance of allegory in Absalom and Achitophel lies in its ability to convey complex political themes through familiar narratives. By utilizing biblical characters, Dryden invites readers to engage with questions about authority, rebellion, and manipulation in a way that resonates with their own experiences. This allegorical framework not only critiques specific individuals but also challenges readers to consider the nature of power itself—what it means to challenge or uphold authority—and how such dynamics play out in society at large.

Related terms

Satire: A literary genre that uses humor, irony, or exaggeration to criticize or mock societal norms and politics.

Allegory:

A narrative that uses characters and events to symbolize deeper moral or political meanings.

Restoration England:

The period in English history following the monarchy's restoration in 1660, marked by political instability and cultural revival.