Absalom and Achitophel
Poetry
|
John Dryden
Absalom and Achitophel Main Text
Absalom and Achitophel
By John Dryden
In pious times, ere priest-craft did begin,
Before polygamy was made a sin;
When man, on many, multipli'd his kind,
Ere one to one was cursedly confin'd:
When Nature prompted, and no Law deni'd
Promiscuous use of concubine and bride;
Then, Israel's monarch, after Heaven's own heart,
His vigorous warmth did variously impart
To wives and slaves: and, wide as his...
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Absalom and Achitophel Key Facts
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: A...
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Absalom and Achitophel Summary
David’s Peaceful Rule and His Illegitimate Son Absalom: At the beginning, King David (symbolizing Charles II) rules Israel peacefully. He has many wives and concubines. Michal is his royal wife, but his most loved son, Absalom, is born to another woman. So, Absalom is illegitimate and cannot legally become king. Still, David loves Absalom dearly. He is young, handsome, brave, and has won fame in f...
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Absalom and Achitophel Themes
Political Satire: “Absalom and Achitophel” is a powerful example of political satire. Dryden wrote this poem during the Exclusion Crisis (1679–1681). The main issue was whether James, Duke of York, should become king after his brother Charles II. James was a Catholic, and many people wanted to stop him. The Whigs supported Charles’s illegitimate son, the Duke of Monmouth, as king instead.
Dryden s...
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Absalom and Achitophel Character
David
Biblical role: King of Israel.
Political meaning: Represents King Charles II of England.
Description: A wise and peaceful ruler who loves his people and his illegitimate son Absalom. He forgives and protects, but finally takes a firm stand to save the kingdom.
Absalom
Biblical role: David’s handsome and beloved son who rebels against his father.
Political meaning: Represents James, Duke of M...
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Notes
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