Describe the adverse effects of the Popish Plot In John Dryden's - satirical poem Absalom and Achitophel the Popish Plot serves as a stage to criticize and condemn contemporary political events This poem describes the biblical story of Absalom's rebellion against his father King David Let us discuss its effects The Popish Plot The Popish Plot was a manufactured conspiracy in th-century England A plot was to assassinate King Charles II and replace him with his Catholic brother James Duke of York Manipulation of Public Opinion Achitophel manipulates Absalom representing the Duke of Monmouth by playing on his ambitions and the public's fears This mirrors how political figures used the Popish Plot to further their own agendas Dryden illustrates this Auspicious prince at whose nativity Some royal planet rul'd the southern sky Social Division The manufactured plot deepened divisions between religious and political groups Dryden highlights this division By buzzing