Literature of Elizabethan and Restoration period
Home Assignment
Question 1: Discuss the major themes in John Dryden’s poem Absalom and Achitophel.
Answer:
Introduction
John Dryden’s Absalom and Achitophel is one of the greatest political satires in English literature. On the surface, it retells the biblical story of King David and his rebellious son Absalom, but in reality, it is a cleverly disguised allegory of English politics during the 1670s and 1680s. Through biblical characters, Dryden reflects on the Popish Plot, the Exclusion Crisis, and the struggle between the monarchy and its challengers. The poem is rich in themes such as politics, allegory, satire, divine right of kings, religion, power, and ambition—all of which reveal Dryden’s support for King Charles II and his belief in monarchy as a God-given institution.
About the Author
John Dryden (1631–1700) was the most prominent literary figure of the Restoration period. He was not only a poet but also a dramatist, translator, and one of the first great English critics. After Shakespeare and Ben Jonson, he is often considered the greatest playwright of his age, and as a poet, he stands just after Donne and Milton in the 17th century. Dryden’s works reflect his time—political change, religious conflict, and debates over monarchy. A supporter of the Stuart monarchy, Dryden used his writings to defend the authority of the king, criticize rebellion, and emphasize the dangers of political ambition. Absalom and Achitophel remains his most famous political satire, blending poetry with direct commentary on real historical figures.
Themes in Absalom and Achitophel:
1. Politics, Allegory, and Satire
Dryden uses biblical characters to represent real political figures in England. King David represents Charles II, while Absalom stands for his illegitimate son, the Duke of Monmouth. Achitophel symbolizes the Earl of Shaftesbury, the politician who encouraged Monmouth’s rebellion. By retelling this story, Dryden satirizes the Popish Plot (a false Catholic conspiracy) and the Exclusion Crisis (the attempt to prevent James II from succeeding Charles). Through witty and biting satire, Dryden exposes politicians as selfish, deceitful, and hungry for power. He mocks their speeches, their false patriotism, and their manipulation of the people. In this way, the poem becomes a sharp political commentary disguised as a biblical story.
2. God, Religion, and the Divine Right of Kings
A central theme of the poem is the belief that kings rule by divine right. Dryden presents King David, and therefore Charles II, as anointed by God. David’s authority is unquestioned, and even Absalom admits that his father rules with divine approval. Dryden insists that succession cannot be decided by Parliament or the people but only by God’s will. The illegitimate Absalom (Monmouth) has no rightful claim, while David’s brother (James II) is the lawful heir, regardless of his unpopularity as a Catholic. By highlighting divine right, Dryden defends both Charles II and James II, showing that rebellion against the king is rebellion against God himself.
3. Power and Ambition
Another major theme is the destructive nature of ambition. Achitophel is portrayed as the embodiment of political ambition—restless, clever, and never satisfied. He manipulates Absalom by appealing to his pride and popularity, disguising his selfish goals as patriotism. Absalom too, though initially loyal, becomes corrupted by ambition and begins to desire the throne. Dryden warns that ambition leads only to destruction, while true power lies in lawful rule. King David, though merciful and patient, finally asserts his authority, supported by God’s will. Thus, Dryden shows that ambition which challenges divine authority is dangerous and futile.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Absalom and Achitophel is more than a retelling of a biblical tale—it is a powerful allegory of Dryden’s own time. Through satire, he exposes the deceit of politicians, defends the divine right of kings, and warns against the destructive force of ambition. The themes of politics, religion, and power are woven together to support the monarchy and condemn rebellion. By presenting King Charles II as a godlike David, Dryden not only defended the Stuart dynasty but also left behind one of the finest examples of political poetry in English literature.
Class Assignment
Question: 2 How does Dryden connect biblical history with English politics in Absalom and Achitophel?
Answer:
Introduction
One of the most remarkable achievements of John Dryden in Absalom and Achitophel is his masterful use of allegory. He takes the biblical story of King David and his rebellious son Absalom from the Old Testament and transforms it into a political satire reflecting the real struggles of seventeenth-century England. By blending sacred history with contemporary politics, Dryden not only entertains but also delivers a moral and political lesson to his readers. His method gives authority to his arguments, since what happened in the Bible is seen as divinely ordained and therefore a model for England to learn from.
About the Author
John Dryden (1631–1700) was the greatest literary figure of the Restoration period. He became England’s first Poet Laureate in 1668 and was admired for his clarity of expression, intellectual power, and mastery of the heroic couplet. Dryden’s works include poetry, plays, literary criticism, and translations of classical writers such as Virgil and Juvenal. More than a writer, he was a spokesman of his age, reflecting its political and religious tensions. His poem Absalom and Achitophel (1681) is his most celebrated political satire, written during the Exclusion Crisis, when many tried to prevent the Catholic Duke of York (later James II) from becoming king. In this work, Dryden uses biblical allegory to defend Charles II and attack those who threatened the monarchy.
Dryden connect Biblical history:
Dryden carefully parallels biblical figures with real English personalities:
King David represents Charles II, the king of England. Like David, Charles is portrayed as wise, merciful, and chosen by God to rule. He has faults, but he is still the rightful monarch.Absalom represents the Duke of Monmouth, Charles’s illegitimate but much-loved son. Just as Absalom was admired by the people for his beauty and charm, Monmouth was popular and seen as a potential alternative to the king’s brother, James. However, both Absalom and Monmouth had no legal right to inherit the throne.Achitophel represents Anthony Ashley Cooper, the Earl of Shaftesbury, the clever politician who sought to exclude James from succession. Like the biblical Achitophel, he is ambitious, cunning, and dangerous, using his intelligence to stir rebellion.Other figures, such as Zimri (the Duke of Buckingham) and Shimei (Titus Oates), are also drawn from real English politics, showing how Dryden mapped the Bible directly onto his own time.
Dryden also connects specific events:
The Popish Plot, a false conspiracy invented by Titus Oates that claimed Catholics planned to kill Charles II, is echoed in the poem as lies told against David and his supporters.The Exclusion Bill, which tried to prevent James, Duke of York, from succeeding to the throne, appears in the form of Achitophel’s schemes to make Absalom king.Through these parallels, Dryden makes it clear that rebellion against Charles II is the same as Absalom’s rebellion against David—a crime not only against the king but against God’s will. He shows that popular support, ambition, and clever arguments cannot replace divine authority.
Conclusion:
Dryden’s use of biblical allegory transforms Absalom and Achitophel into more than a political pamphlet; it becomes a universal lesson about the dangers of rebellion and the importance of loyalty to rightful rulers. By linking sacred history with contemporary politics, Dryden gave his defense of monarchy a moral and religious foundation. He taught his readers that ambition, false plots, and rebellion were not just political mistakes but sins against divine order. In this way, Absalom and Achitophel stands as both a mirror of its time and a timeless warning against political ambition.
Essay
Question:3Discuss the main characters in John Dryden’s poem Absalom and Achitophel.
Answer:
Introduction
John Dryden’s Absalom and Achitophel (1681) is one of the most famous political satires in English literature. Written in heroic couplets, it retells the biblical story of Absalom’s rebellion against his father King David, but beneath the surface it is a sharp political allegory of 17th-century England. The poem reflects the Exclusion Crisis and the Popish Plot, with biblical figures standing in for real political leaders. Among its strongest features are the memorable character portraits, where Dryden blends biblical narrative with satire to expose ambition, treachery, loyalty, and weakness.
About the Author:
John Dryden (1631–1700) was the leading literary figure of the Restoration period. He excelled as a poet, playwright, critic, and translator, and is remembered as the “father of English criticism.” After Shakespeare and Ben Jonson, he was the greatest dramatist of his age, and after Donne and Milton, one of the finest poets of the 17th century. Dryden lived in a time of political turmoil and used his writings to defend the Stuart monarchy and the divine right of kings. His Absalom and Achitophel remains his best-known satire, where biblical allegory is used to comment on real historical figures.
Character Analysis
1. Absalom
Absalom is the illegitimate but beloved son of King David. Handsome, brave, and popular with the people, he is tempted by ambition when Achitophel persuades him to claim the throne. At first reluctant, he eventually agrees to rebel, mistaking his father’s kindness for weakness. In history, Absalom represents James Scott, Duke of Monmouth, who tried to seize the throne from his uncle James II. Dryden presents Absalom as misguided rather than evil, but still condemns his ambition as unlawful and against God’s will.
2. Achitophel
Achitophel is the villain of the poem, a cunning and ambitious advisor who pushes Absalom into rebellion. Outwardly loyal to David, he secretly plots to overthrow him, stirring fear, spreading lies, and manipulating the people. In real life, Achitophel represents Anthony Ashley Cooper, Earl of Shaftesbury, leader of the Whigs and supporter of the Exclusion Bill. Dryden portrays him as selfish and dangerous, willing to destroy the state for his own power.
3. David
King David, representing Charles II, is shown as a merciful and God-appointed ruler. Though he loves Absalom deeply, he ultimately asserts his authority and reminds everyone that kings rule by divine right. Dryden lightly criticizes David for his leniency and affairs, but overall, he presents him as a rightful king chosen by God.
4. Other Characters
●Saul: Represents Oliver Cromwell, symbolizing the temporary rejection of monarchy.
●David’s Brother: Symbolizes James II, the lawful heir despite being unpopular as a Catholic.
●Corah: Represents Titus Oates, who spread lies about the Popish Plot.
●Shimei: Represents Slingsby Bethel, shown as corrupt and unjust.
●Zimri: Represents the Duke of Buckingham, mocked as foolish and unstable.
●Pharaoh: Represents Louis XIV of France, a false ally.
●Jonas: Represents Sir William Jones, who twisted law for politics.
●Barzillai: Represents the Duke of Ormond, a loyal supporter of the king.
●Jotham: Represents George Savile, known for his wisdom and loyalty.
●Amiel: Represents Edward Seymour, a strong royal supporter.
Through these portraits, Dryden mixes satire with allegory, attacking his political enemies while celebrating the king’s true supporters.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the characters of Absalom and Achitophel are more than biblical figures; they are political caricatures of Dryden’s contemporaries. Absalom represents misguided ambition, Achitophel represents cunning treachery, and David represents lawful monarchy backed by God. Around them, both loyalists and rebels appear in sharp satirical sketches. By presenting these figures in such vivid detail, Dryden not only retells a biblical story but also defends monarchy, exposes rebellion, and leaves behind one of the greatest works of political satire in English literature.
