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Abasalom Analysts

John Dryden's 'Absalom and Achitophel' is a political satire that uses biblical allegory to comment on the Exclusion Crisis in England, depicting King Charles II as King David and James Scott as Absalom. The poem explores themes of kingship, ambition, and the consequences of rebellion, ultimately defending the divine right of kings. Dryden's masterful use of heroic couplets and satire highlights the dangers of political ambition and the moral implications of undermining legitimate authority.

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7 views2 pages

Abasalom Analysts

John Dryden's 'Absalom and Achitophel' is a political satire that uses biblical allegory to comment on the Exclusion Crisis in England, depicting King Charles II as King David and James Scott as Absalom. The poem explores themes of kingship, ambition, and the consequences of rebellion, ultimately defending the divine right of kings. Dryden's masterful use of heroic couplets and satire highlights the dangers of political ambition and the moral implications of undermining legitimate authority.

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Shanti SD
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Analysis of Absalom and Achitophel

Introduction
John Dryden’s Absalom and Achitophel (1681) is one of the greatest political satires in English
literature. This poem is Written in heroic couplets. It is political allegory that draws parallels
between the biblical story of Absalom’s rebellion against his father, King David, and the
contemporary political situation in England. Dryden uses this biblical framework to comment on
the Exclusion Crisis (1679–1681), in which the Whigs sought to exclude James, Duke of York
(a Catholic), from the English throne in favour of Charles II’s illegitimate but Protestant son, the
Duke of Monmouth. The poem is not just a political commentary but also an exploration of
ambition, betrayal, and the nature of kingship.
About the Poet
John Dryden (1631–1700) was one of the most influential poets, playwrights, and critics of the
Restoration period. He was England’s first official Poet Laureate (1668).
His notable works:
The Indian Emperor
All for Love
Essay Of Dramatic Poesy
Mac Flecknoe
Analysis of Absalom and Achitophel
Political and Historical Context
The poem was written during the Exclusion Crisis, when there was a significant political divide
between who supported the succession of James (brother of Charles II) Duke of York, and who
wanted to be their king to be James Scott, 1st Duke of Monmouth. Dryden was supporter of
King Charles II, wrote this poem to criticise rebellion and their leader, the Earl of Shaftesbury.
Allegory and Characterisation
The poem is an allegory, meaning that biblical characters represent real historical figures. The
key figures in the poem include:
• King David (Charles II) – The rightful ruler, depicted as wise and merciful.
• Absalom (James Scott) – The beloved but illegitimate son of David, who is manipulated
into rebelling against his father.
• Achitophel (Earl of Shaftesbury) – A cunning and ambitious politician who incites
Absalom to revolt.
• Zimri (Duke of Buckingham), Shimei (Sheriff of London), and others represent various
Whig politicians.
Achitophel is portrayed as a Master of Game. He used many tricks to convince Absalom to rebel
against his father. He evokes Absalom and arguing that the people love him and that it is his duty
to rule. But Absalom was not interested to go against to his father but gradually be make his mind
to battle with his father.

Themes
• Kingship and Legitimacy The poem defends the divine right of kings, suggesting that
rulers are chosen by God and should not be overthrown. Dryden portrays Charles II as a
just and merciful king who, despite his flaws, is the rightful ruler.
• Power and Ambition Achitophel’s character highlights the dangers of unchecked
ambition and political opportunism. His tricks to evoke Absalom into betraying his father,
illustrating how ambition can corrupt even those with good intentions.
• Divine Justice and Fate The poem suggests that rebellion is wrong and that divine justice
will punish those who seek to undermine legitimate authority. Dryden implies that history
will judge the rebels harshly.
Satirical Elements
Dryden employs satire to mock his political opponents. He presents them as self-serving and
selfish. Achitophel, in particular, is depicted as both intelligent and dangerously deceitful. The
poem also uses irony, especially in the way Achitophel manipulates Absalom for his best interest.
Structure and Style
The poem is written in heroic couplets (pairs of rhymed iambic pentameter lines), which Dryden
masterfully uses to create a rhythmic and persuasive argument. The language is elevated, and
Dryden’s use of rhetorical devices—such as parallelism, allusions, and antithesis—enhances the
poem’s impact and use of such devices make poem as masterpiece creation of John Dryden.
Conclusion
Absalom and Achitophel is not only a brilliant political satire but also a timeless exploration of
power, loyalty, and ambition. Dryden’s portrayal of Charles II as a wise and merciful ruler
contrasts sharply with the scheming Achitophel and the ambitious yet naive Absalom. Through
this allegory, Dryden reinforces the idea that rebellion against a legitimate ruler is dangerous and
ultimately doomed to fail. The poem remains one of the finest examples of political poetry in
English literature, showcasing Dryden’s wit, intelligence, and mastery of verse.

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