Full Title: Absalom and Achitophel

Writer: John Dryden (1631–1700)

Source:

The Bible (Story of King David and his son Absalom)

Real political events in 17th-century England (especially the Popish Plot and Exclusion Crisis)

Written and Publication Date: 1681

Genre: Political Satire, Narrative Poetry

Point of View: Third-Person Omniscient (the narrator knows the thoughts of all characters)

Climax: Absalom decides to take the crown from his father and delivers a speech to win public support

Antagonist: Achitophel (represents political schemer Shaftesbury)

Setting:

Time Setting: Late 17th century (during the reign of King Charles II)

Place Setting: Biblical Israel (symbolic of Restoration England)