y. The poem is “typical” as it follows classic satire rules. It is “universal” as its themes touch all people. Dryden uses a Bible story to hide real events. This makes the poem deep but simple. We will see how Dryden fits his time, yet speaks to all ages.

Political Voice of His Time: Dryden speaks for the king and the ruling party. He supports King Charles II and the Tories. He writes to defend the king against enemies. Dryden attacks the Whigs in the poem. He says,

“The Jews, a headstrong, moody, murm'ring race,...

No king could govern, nor no God could please;”

These lines satirize Whig rebels as unruly and ungrateful. Dryden uses satire to fight back. He wants to protect the royal line. This shows he is a typical poet of his time. Many poets in his age did this.

Use of Bible Story: Dryden tells the story of David and Absalom. But this is not just a holy story. David means King Charles II. Absalom means his son Monmouth. Achitophel means Shaftesbury. Dryden shows Absalom’s ambition in the following line:

“Desire of greatness is a god-like sin.”

Dryden uses allegory to hide real names. This is very typical of poets in his time. Poets often used old stories to speak about present events. But this way also makes the poem universal. 

Common Human Feelings: Dryden shows the love of a father. In the end, David speaks with power. He says he is both a father and a king. He will not let Absalom take the crown. He says God is with him. David is ready to fight. But he is also patient. He says,

“Beware the fury of a patient man.”

This shows Charles as a wise and strong king. Dryden also shows ambition, flattery, lies, and fear. These are human feelings. People of all times feel them. So, even if the poem is political, it speaks to all people. This makes it universal.

Clear Message for All: Dryden writes with a purpose. He wants peace, order, and strong rule. He warns people not to follow rebels. He says,

“Kings are the public pillars of the state,

Born to sustain and prop the nation's weight.”

The author asserts that power must follow law. These ideas are not only for 17th-century England. Every country needs law and peace. Every country faces fights over power. Dryden’s poem speaks to all people in power. It speaks to common people too. So, his message is typical for England but universal for the world.

In conclusion, Dryden is typical because he writes for his king. He uses Bible stories and supports one political group. He follows the style of his time. But he is also universal because he shows deep truths about human life. He talks about love, ambition, power, and loyalty. These things are the same in every age and place. So, “Absalom and Achitophel” is not only about England. It is about all people, at all times. That is why Dryden is both typical and universal.