Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Absalom and Achitophel" is a political allegory poem written by John Dryden in 1681. The poem is a commentary on the political situation in England during the reign of Charles II, and takes as its subject the Biblical story of Absalom's rebellion against his father King David.

Content:

The poem begins with a description of the political situation in England, in which the Catholic Duke of York (later James II) is seen as a threat to the Protestant succession. The main characters in the poem are David (representing Charles II), Absalom (representing the Duke of Monmouth, Charles II's illegitimate son), and Achitophel (representing the Whig politician Anthony Ashley Cooper, 1st Earl of Shaftesbury).

Dryden uses the Biblical story of Absalom's rebellion against King David as a metaphor for the political situation in England. He portrays Achitophel as a manipulative political schemer who convinces Absalom to rebel against David. However, in the end, Absalom's rebellion is unsuccessful and he is killed, while David is able to maintain his hold on the throne.

Throughout the poem, Dryden employs a range of literary devices, including metaphor, irony, and allusion, to create a powerful and engaging narrative. He uses these devices to comment on the political situation in England, and to criticize the actions of both the Whig and Tory parties.

Form and Style:

"Absalom and Achitophel" is written in heroic couplets and follows a formal structure, characteristic of Dryden's writing. The poem is characterized by a high degree of rhetorical sophistication, as Dryden uses persuasive language and appeals to reason to convince his readers of his point of view. The poem is also notable for its use of allegory and symbolism, which help to make the political arguments more engaging and memorable for readers.

Summary:

"Absalom and Achitophel" is widely regarded as one of Dryden's most important works, and has been praised for its literary and political significance. The poem continues to be studied and appreciated for its insights into the political and social context of seventeenth-century England, and for its enduring relevance to contemporary debates about politics and power.

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