a political allegory?
Or, Evaluate Dryden as a satirist in the light of his poem “Absalom and Achitophel.”
John Dryden (1631-1700) is one of the best satirists in English literature. His poem “Absalom and Achitophel” (1681) is a great example of satire and political allegory. In this poem, he attacks political enemies using smart and funny words. He hides real people behind biblical names. This way, he criticizes their actions without saying their real names. This answer will evaluate Dryden’s satire and his success as an allegorist.
Satire with a Purpose: Dryden’s satire is not only for fun. He writes it to fix the wrong in society. He wanted to stop people from being fooled by false leaders. The poem was written during a time of political crisis. The Duke of Monmouth tried to take power from his father. Dryden used this event to write a poem. In it, he laughed at selfish people. He showed how their pride and lies can hurt a nation. His satire is sharp, strong, and full of meaning. He politely criticizes politicians. He shows a politician’s thoughts followingly.
“Plots, true or false, are necessary things.”
Allegory and Its Use: An allegory is a story with a hidden meaning. The outside story seems simple. But behind it, there is a big message. In this poem, Dryden uses the Bible story of David and his son Absalom. But he means King Charles II and the Duke of Monmouth. Achitophel stands for the evil Lord Shaftesbury. The poet writes that Achitophel is:
“Resolv'd to ruin or to rule the state.”
In this way, Dryden tells a political story. He does not need to take names. He portrays all these characters vividly.
Power and Pride: Dryden shows how the hunger for power leads to pride and fall. Achitophel wants power. So, he uses kind words to fool Absalom. He tells him that he should be king. Absalom, who is young and proud, listens to him. But David, the father, is wise and kind. He waits and watches. Dryden shows that bad men use tricks to get power. But good leaders are patient and strong, as David (Charles II) says,
“Beware the fury of a patient man.”
Satire to Heal: Dryden says a good poet is like a doctor. A doctor gives bitter medicine to cure a sick man. In the same way, a poet gives bitter truth to cure society. His poem shows that politics without truth is dangerous. He does not want to hurt for fun. He wants to fix. He attacks false leaders. But he also shows respect to good people. In the end, he stands with peace, unity, and justice. His aim is to save, not to destroy.
From the light of the above discussion, Dryden’s “Absalom and Achitophel” is both a strong satire and a smart allegory. He uses simple stories to say deep things. He attacks the bad, praises the good. He also warns the evil people. His writing is short, sharp, and wise. He teaches that pride and greed destroy peace. As a satirist, Dryden is fair, funny, and firm. As an allegorist, he hides real people in stories but shows real truths. That is why this poem is still praised today.
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