One of the heroic couplets "Absalom and Achitophel" was written by a famous English poet and the father of modern essay, John Dryden. It was published in 1681. In this course, The poem tells the Biblical tale of the rebellion of Absalom against King Davidit is an allegory used to represent a story contemporary to Dryden, concerning King Charles II and the Exclusion Crisis (1679–1681). The poem addresses the political strife, religious tensions, and conspiracies of the period.
Dryden's poem "Absalom and Achitophel" contains 1031 lines. The poem is written in iambic pentameter (each line with five metrical feet, each foot made of one unstressed syllable followed by one stressed syllable) and follows an AABB rhyme scheme. It is a biblical allegory that tells the story of Absalom's rebellion against King David.
The poem also references the Popish Plot (1678). Absalom and Achitophel is "generally acknowledged as the finest political satire in the English language". The story of Absalom's rebellion against his father, King David, is told in the Old Testament of the Bible, in the Second Book of Samuel. In 1682, a second part was published, mainly written by N. Tate. It contains 200 lines by Dryden, in which he attacks two literary and political enemies.
Throughout the poem, It explores themes such as the legitimacy of rulers, the consequences of rebellion, and the importance of loyalty to the reigning monarch. Additionally, it delves into the dangers of flattery and manipulation in politics. The main theme of the poem revolves around political intrigue and the struggle for power in 17th century England. It allegorically portrays the events surrounding the Monmouth Rebellion and the Exclusion Crisis, using biblical figures to represent contemporary political figures.
Dryden's allegorical one "Absalom and Achitophel" primarily focuses on the conflict between King David (representing King Charles II) and his rebellious son Absalom (representing James, Duke of Monmouth), who sought to usurp the throne. The poem also contains elements of satire and commentary on political figures and events of the era. Samuel Johnson, T. S. Eliot, Northrope Frye and American literary critic Harold Bloom observe such as, "The recognition of this poem's historical significance in the development of English literature", "The highlights of biblical and historical allusions to convey its political message", and "The elements of satire and its reflection of the political and social tensions of its time."
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